The theme of our General Body Meeting immediately invites us to reflect on the mystery of the Trinity. The great mystery of the one God, united in three Persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, is the foundation of our Christian faith.

We thank God for the unique nature of the Catholic Church in India who is blessed with three sui iuris Churches called to reflect in her life and mission the communion of the Holy Trinity.

Rooted in this vision, we, the 184 bishops of the Catholic Church in India gathered together for the 33rd General Body Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, from 02 to 09 February 2018, to pray and reflect upon the theme: “United in Diversity for a Mission of Mercy and Witness: ‘I am with you always, to the end of the age’ ” (Mt 28: 20) to deepen our understanding of our own identity and to enhance our contribution to nation-building. We, the Catholic Bishops of India felt reassured and strengthened by the words of our Lord: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). We have taken into account the final statement of the Catholic Council of India (CCI) which met from 17 to 19 November 2017.

The Mission of Jesus

Jesus, who came to unite and reconcile the whole of humankind into one family of God, is himself the good news. He presented God to people in the way he loved all, namely, in feeding the hungry, comforting the disturbed, promoting the dignity of the marginalized, healing the sick, giving hope to the hopeless, freedom to the captives, forgiveness to the sinners, justice to the poor and life to the dead.

The Church in India

The Church in India received the gift of faith through St. Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus. Our Christian faith was nourished and strengthened by the efforts of many great saints such as St. Francis Xavier who is Patron Saint of Missions. We want to emphatically affirm that the Christian faith in India is as old as Christianity. India is what it is today is also due to the contribution of the Church in India.

With the evidence of yeoman service rendered by the Church, it is clear that India needs the Church just as the members of the Church continue to love India as they reach out to the very last and the least, in imitation of Jesus our Master. The Church believes that all people are our brothers and sisters as Jesus himself has taught us, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22: 39). The empowerment of the poor and the promotion of human dignity are values enshrined in our Constitution and are also cherished by the Church in her mission. The mission of the Church carried out through all her activities has only one aim, to build up our nation on the four essential pillars of peace, that is, truth, justice, love and freedom (cfr. St. John XXIII, Pacem in Terris).

Understanding Authentic Nationalism and Constitutional Secularism

Any attempt to promote nationalism based on any one particular culture or religion is a dangerous position. It may lead to uniformity but never to genuine unity. Such misconceived efforts can only lead our nation on the path of self-annihilation. Mono-culturalism has never been and can never be the right answer to the quest for peace, progress and development, especially in a country like ours that has a rich diversity of culture, language, region, race and religion. Violence always recoils upon the violent sooner or later, “For all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Mt 26: 52). We deplore the rising incidence of atrocities against women, killings, caste rivalries and communal violence which includes attacks on Christian institutions and communities. Therefore, let us follow the path of true nationalism that can lead our motherland to true peace, harmony, progress and prosperity. Authentic nationalism respects the human dignity of every citizen, regardless of one’s economic status, culture, religion, region or language.

We wish to urgently call all people of goodwill to uphold the rule of law guaranteed by our Indian Constitution. In a climate of violence, we make an appeal to all our fellow citizens to eschew mob culture and vigilantism in favor of peace. We appreciate and will collaborate with the Government in all its efforts to maintain law and order in our country, to ensure progress and development of all and the protection of the environment. The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi has stated in clear terms that “The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough of everyone’s greed”.

The Precious Gift of Human Life

The Christian community upholds the absolute and transcendent value of human life which is a precious gift of God. Therefore, an assault on human life can never be inspired by God nor justified because of the diverse beliefs and practices. Human life of every individual person in our beloved motherland needs to be valued and defended.

The Church’s Mission of Mercy

Mercy that flows out of the heart of God alone, through the cross of Jesus Christ, can heal the wounded human hearts, restore the broken relationships between persons and communities and lift up out of misery those suppressed for centuries. Faced with this precarious situation we the disciples of Christ, resolve to be authentic witnesses of mercy, which is the essence of the Gospel and the manifestation of Christian discipleship. This is witnessed in the gentle hands and wrinkled face of St. Teresa of Kolkata and in the martyrdom of Blessed Rani Maria of Indore.

In our service to the nation, especially to the Dalits, Tribals and other backward classes, we Christians join hands with our fellow citizens to ensure the authentic human development of our people which is measured by the scale of human index, and not merely by economic standards.

Let us all resolve to go beyond narrow domestic walls of every kind in order to establish a truly secular, socialist and democratic nation as is enshrined in the Constitution of India.

To Live in Unity in the midst of Diversity, both within the Church and in the country, we propose the following:

1. To deepen and intensify our Christian life of discipleship at all levels by being a ceaselessly praying community, always living our unity in diversity in accordance with our Trinitarian faith.

2. To strengthen the bonds of communion among the laity, the religious and the clergy and to ensure that communion becomes the way of life for the Church at all levels.

3. To promote and intensify Small Christian Communities (SCCs) and Family Units for the all-round integral formation of the faithful and for inter-religious cooperation, peace and harmony.

4. To accompany families in their evangelizing mission in the world and to make sure that they become the focal point of the pastoral ministry of the Church; to manifest special care and compassion to families in distress and to enlighten our families on responsible parenthood.

5. To imbue our youth with the vision of an authentic Christian Life to enable them to play their role in Church and society; to empower our youth to play an active role in the Church by equipping them with the knowledge of the Word of God and with the teachings of the Church through the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) and other Catholic Youth Movements; to help our youth to discern and choose the way of life which is the primary theme of the forthcoming Synod on Youth in Oct 2018.

6. To encourage and train our lay people and youth for nation-building through involvement in vitally important areas of our national life such as politics, civil services, defense, law and judiciary.

7. To ensure that formators in our formation houses guide the formees to respect the equal dignity of women and to promote the role of the laity in the life and mission of the Church.

8. To ensure adequate representation of women in all Church bodies.

9. To prepare seminarians, priests and religious to be authentic witnesses of mercy within the Church and society.

10. To seize every opportunity to promote dialogue across religious boundaries; our inter-religious dialogue will become more credible, fruitful and effective if we Christians make every effort to grow in our unity in Christ.

11. To take various initiatives to foster better cooperation among all Christians through dialogue with ecumenical groups and promoting common ecumenical services, common prayers and common endeavours.

12. To make the Constitution of India more widely known in all sectors of Church and society, particularly highlighting some salient features such as the equality of all citizens, the freedom of religion, the freedom of conscience and the freedom of expression.

13. To encourage and motivate our laity to be actively involved in the secular world in order to effectively contribute to nation-building in fulfillment of their proper vocation.

14. To continue to make our service in the field of education a mission of mercy and to implement purposefully the “All India Catholic Education Policy 2007” of the CBCI in order to impart Gospel values.

15. To make Catholic Health Services a mission of mercy and healing that is affordable, compassionate and caring, yet professional, self-sustaining and collaborative.

16. To ensure the implementation of the CBCI Policy of Dalit Empowerment in every diocese, to work for the protection and integral development of the Tribals and Other Backward Classes (OBC’s) and to take special initiatives for the relief and welfare of farmers, fisher folk, migrants and other deprived and exploited communities by providing care, comfort and hope to them in their distress.

17. To increase awareness of the importance of ecology as an integral part of our Christian commitment and spirituality and to take new initiatives to protect the environment and to promote love for Nature; to ensure that every diocese has formulated an environment policy to implement the teachings of Laudato Si, the Encyclical Letter of Pope Francis.

18. To create an awareness of the plight of our brothers and sisters in prison and to assist them in their rehabilitation and the care of their families.

19. To ensure transparency in all spheres of the Church’s administration and to stand for the same in society.

20. To set up an effective “think tank” for all our dioceses for taking up urgent matters and earnestly engaging in advocacy with all stakeholders.

CONCLUSION

The Church “exists in order to evangelize, that is to say, in order to preach and teach, to be the channel of the gift of grace, to reconcile sinners with God…” (Blessed Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi, no. 14). “The Church and theology exist to evangelize, and not be content with a desk-bound theology” (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, no. 133).Even as we face many grave challenges and setbacks to the unity in diversity of our country we are proud to be Indian. We love our country as we continue to pray constantly for it and its wellbeing. Our Christian faith gives us hope to move ahead to continue our work for unity in diversity so as to establish peace and harmony and make our country live up to its exalted calling. We entrust ourselves in all that we do for the Church and society, to the loving care of Mary, Mother of Mercy.

Baselios Cardinal Cleemis

President, Catholic Bishops Conference of India

CBCI Plenary 2018 | National Anthem

Press Statement of 33rd General Body Meeting of Catholic Bishops’ conference of India.

The 33rd General Body Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India held at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences inaugurated on 2nd February, 2018 ended today, 9th February, 2018 with a solemn thanksgiving mass presided over by the New President, Cardinal Oswald Gracias and a Valedictory Function which followed. The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Giambattista Diquattro, was present at this concluding event. The Theme of the General Body Meeting was: “I am with you always to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20) - “United in Diversity for a Mission of Mercy and Witness”.

The members elected Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay as the New President, Most Rev. Joshua Mar Ignathios Metropolitan Bishop of the Eparchy of Mavelikkara as the First Vice President and Most Rev. George Mar Njaralakatt Metropolitan Archbishop of Tellicherry as the Second Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India for a period of two years. Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX continues his three year term as the Secretary General of CBCI.

The Bishops following Jesus their master rededicated themselves to their mission of service and witness: feeding the hungry, comforting the disturbed, promoting the dignity of the marginalized, healing the sic k, giving hope to the hopeless, freedom to the captives, forgiveness to the sinners, and justice to the poor.

Given that Christianity came to India over two thousand years ago, the Bishops underlined the contribution of the Church in India to nation building and service to all Indians irrespective of religion, region, culture, race or language. According to the Bishops, India needs the Church and the Church needs India. No one should doubt our loyalty or our commitment to the nation. They appealed for true nationalism that can lead our motherland to genuine peace, harmony, progress and prosperity. Authentic nationalism respects the human dignity of every citizen and calls for integral and inclusive development that percolates to every strata of our society.

The Catholic Bishops wish to urgently call all people of goodwill to uphold the rule of law guaranteed by our Indian Constitution. In a climate of violence, they appealed to all fellow citizens to shun mob culture and vigilantism in favour of peace.

The Bishops desire to continue and intensify their collaboration and partnership with the Government at the Centre and in the States to reinforce our work of nation-building through educational, healthcare and social upliftment activities.

In service to the nation, especially to the Dalits, Tribals and other backward classes, the Christians will join hands with all men and women of goodwill, to ensure the integral and holistic human development of our beloved country which is measured by the scale of human index, and not merely by economic statistics.

The Bishops urged all Indians, to resolve to go beyond narrow domestic walls of every kind in order to establish a truly secular, socialist and democratic nation as is enshrined in the Constitution of India. Dialogue with followers of other religions and with ecumenical groups is the need of the hour.

The General Assembly resolved to promote transparency and accountability in society. They plan to encourage and train lay people and youth for involvement in vitally important areas of our national life such as politics, civil services, defense, law and judiciary.

The Catholic Church will ensure the implementation of the CBCI Policy of Dalit Empowerment in every diocese, work for the protection and integral development of the Tribals and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and take special initiatives for the relief and welfare of farmers, fisher folk, migrants and other deprived and exploited communities by providing care, comfort and hope to them in their distress.

An important mission to be undertaken by the Church is to work towards increasing the awareness about ecological issues and protection of the environment according to the teachings of Laudato Si, the Encyclical Letter of Pope Francis.

The Bishops reaffirmed the love of all Christians for our beloved country as we continue to pray constantly for it and its wellbeing. They pointed out that the Christian faith gives us hope to move ahead to continue our work for unity in diversity so as to establish peace and harmony and make our country live up to its exalted calling.

The Members of the 33rd General Body Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India entrusted themselves in all that they do for the Church and society, to the loving care of Mary, Mother of Mercy.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

Office-Bearers of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India

We are pleased to announce that Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, has been elected the new President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India for a period of two years.

Most Rev. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Bishop of the Eparchy of Mavelikara, has been elected the new First Vice-President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India for a period of two years.

Most Rev. George Njaralakatt, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tellicherry, is elected the Second Vice-President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India for a period of two years.

Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX continues his three year term as the Secretary General of CBCI.

As per the tradition of the CBCI, the Office-Bearers are elected on a basis of rotation among the Rites.

The outgoing President, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis; First Vice-President, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath and the Second Vice-President, Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão, having already completed two terms were no longer eligible for election to the respective posts that they were holding.

We thank the outgoing President and Vice-Presidents for their services to the Catholic Church in India. We pray for the new Office-Bearers that they may lead the Church in India to the Mission of service and witness of India.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias appointed as new President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India.

CBCI NEWS FLASH

We are pleased to announce that Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, has been elected the new President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India for a period of two years.

Elections for the other Office-Bearers are going on at the 33rd General Body Meeting of Bishops of India, at Bengaluru.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General,

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India

ANNOUNCEMENT OF APPOINTMENTS AT THE CBCI

We are pleased to announce that

1. Fr. Jervis D’Souza, a Priest of the Archdiocese of Bombay has been appointed the New Deputy Secretary general of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).

2. Fr. Paul Moonjely of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam has been appointed the New Executive Director of Caritas India.

3. Fr. Jolly Puthenpura of the Diocese of Amravati has been appointed the Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India.

The appointments were made by the Standing Committee of the CBCI during its Standing Committee meetings on 1st and 5th February 2018 in Bengaluru and announced to the Catholic Bishops gathered in the 33rd General Body Meeting at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru.

Fr. D’Souza is presently the Judicial Vicar of the Archdiocese of Mumbai while Fr. Moonjely currently holds the post of Assistant Director of Caritas. Fr. Puthenpura is at the moment the Administrator at Caritas. Fr. D’Souza succeeds Msgr. Joseph Chinnayan, the present Deputy Secretary General. Fr. Moonjely takes over from Fr. Frederick D’Souza the present Caritas Executive Director.

We thank the outgoing Officials and wish their successors all God’s blessings for their Service to the Lord, the Nation and the Church.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX

Secretary General

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India

Indian Catholic Bishops Begin Deliberations

Bengaluru: The 33rd General body Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) got off to a solemn start on Friday at St. John’s Medical College. The day began with the Eucharistic Mass presided over by Most Rev. Giambattista Diquattro, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal.

In his Homily, the Nuncio reminded the Bishops that today’s Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is a call for an encounter with the Lord that leads to an encounter with the people. Four Cardinals from India, The chief guest at the Inaugural Session, Cardinal Charles Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, Archbishops, Bishops, Directors of National centres, Secretaries of CBCI Offices/Councils, Regional Deputy Secretaries and faithful participated in the Holy Eucharist.

In inaugural function that followed, the Chief Guest Cardinal Charles Bo speaking on the theme ‘How the Church Lives Unity in Diversity in Myanmar’, he explained how the Church in Myanmar faced great challenges including nationalization of Catholic schools and activities and how it responded with faith and courage.

He was in admiration of India. “India represents over 100 cultural groups in the church. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Mumbai to Mizoram, India church proves ‘service is power’. In that sense the Indian church is truly Catholic,” the Cardinal added.

His Eminence Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, the President of the CBCI, emphasised the contributions of the Catholic Church in nation building and affirmed that the Church is at the service of the nation. “Unity is one of our greatest asset both as the bishops – conference as Catholics. May be the path to unity is led by the issues of the nation. While pastoral issues can have a diocesan focus. Church needs credibility through taking up social issues at the national level,” Cardinal Cleemis added.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, Secretary General of the CBCI, reporting on the life and activity of the Catholic Church pointed out that the Church continued its mission of service and witness and will continue it despite very strong challenges and difficulties. “. It is our ardent hope that building on the tireless efforts which our President Cardinal Baselios Cleemis has been putting in, we would have the grace and blessing of a papal visit to India in the near future,” he added.

“As we look forward towards the future it is my conviction that we Bishops are called for a special task even as our fellow citizens look up to us for leadership, for our voice of conscience, for courage, prudence and wisdom,” the Bishop added.

His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo, and Most Rev. Giambattista Diquattro, were given a traditional welcome with shawls and Mysore Peta by Cardinal Cleemis and Archbishop Bernard Moras.

Wishes and messages from Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the Hon’ble President of India, Pope Francis and Prefects of the Congregations for Evangelization and Oriental Rites were read out to the gathering by Most Rev. Filipe Neri, the second Vice President of the CBCI.

Later, the newly appointed Bishops and the Jublilarians were honoured. Most. Rev. Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, the first Vice president of the CBCI proposed the vote of thanks. The program concluded with the singing of the National Anthem and praying of the Angelus.

The Bishops will continue discussing issues affecting the Church for the next six days.

The 33rd General Body Meeting of the CBCI begins on 2nd February. See our Promotional video

Nearly 200 Bishops will be meeting together at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Koramangala, Bengaluru from 2nd to 9th February for the biennial meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI). The CBCI is the apex body of the Catholic Church, which has more than 20 million members.

The theme chosen by the Bishops for deliberations is “I am with you always, even to the end of the ages” (Mat.28:20) UNITED IN DIVERSITY FOR A MISSION OF MERCY AND WITNESS. The theme in its first part basis itself on Jesus’ assurance that he will accompany his Church at all times and in all circumstances. This is what gives it strength and courage in its mission of service and witness to all humankind.

The General Body Meeting comes at a time when the Catholic Church in India is facing immense challenges to serve and witness. The Church has been one of the greatest promoters of unity in diversity. But groups and organizations wishing to promote cultural and religious nationalism are becoming bolder. Mob lynchings of people on the pretext of cow smuggling, cow slaughter or beef eating have created a fear psychosis in certain sections of the population. Killing of dissenting journalists, the recent mob attacks including an assault on a school bus full of children in protest against a movie are disturbing signs in our traditionally secular and largely peaceful society.

Incidents in Madhya Pradesh like the one in Satna, in which innocent carol singing priests and seminarians were abused, beaten and arrested and the attempt in Vidisha by more than 800 miscreants to enter a Catholic College and forcibly perform poojas and aartis in the name of pseudo nationalism have left the Bishops worried and upset.

Support from the Government authorities both at the Centre and the State, specially our Minister for tourism Mr. Alphonse Kananatham and Members of Parliament like Mr Conrad Sangma helped in keeping the situation under control in the two above mentioned cases. However, the way the poison of communal, caste, and religious bigotism and hatred is being spread in the country is troubling and disquieting.

The Bishops will discuss how the Church can be the leaven in the dough so that all men and women of good will, cutting across religious, social and political lines can unite to preserve the secular fabric of the country and uphold the constitutional values.

The Bishops will also deliberate on how the Church can continue to witness the love of Jesus Christ and selflessly serve the nation. Reflections will veer around finding new ways of partnering the Governments at the state and central level in nation building and developmental projects with a special concern for the dalits, tribals and the marginalized. The Church wishes to actively involve itself in open and full dialogue with followers of all religions and ideologies so that together we can promote peace and harmonious living.

The General Body meeting will begin on 2nd February 2018 with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the apostolic Nuncio to India Archbishop Giambattista Diquattro at 9 AM. Cardinal Charles Bo, the Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar will be the Chief Guest at the inaugural function. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis the President of the CBCI will deliver the Presidential Address and preside over the whole General Body Meeting.

The Bishops will also elect the President and two Vice Presidents for a term of two years. Offices and Councils as well as other CBCI affiliated organizations will report on their activities and the Bishops will deliberate the way forward for the work of the church in India. The inaugural Mass and Session will be streamed live on the CBCI Website: www.cbci.in. Catholics all over the country are praying for the success of the General Body meeting.

His Eminence Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, President of the CBCI, will address a Press Conference at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, at 3.00 p.m. on 1st February, 2018, regarding the General Body Meeting.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

Fr. Athanasius Rethna Swamy S. appointed as the new Bishop of Ahmedabad

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Fr. Athanasius Rethna Swamy S., of the clergy of Ahmedabad, as the new Bishop of Ahmedabad.

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Monday, 29th January, 2018, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

Rev. Fr. Athanasius Rethna Swamy S. was born on 10th February, 1961, at Parampukkarai in the Diocese of Kottar, Tamilnadu. After his primary school, he joined the “Mission Home” at Nagercoil. In 1977, he entered the Minor Seminary in Madurai, then he joined St. Charles Seminary, Nagpur for his philosophical (1979-1982) and theological studies (1985-1989). He was ordained Priest on 29th March, 1989, for the Diocese of Ahmedabad. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education and a Licentiate in Clinical Psychology from the Pontifical GregorianUniversity, Rome (1994-1998). After the ordination, he served the Diocese in the following ministries: Assistant Priest at Sananad (1989-1991); Rector, St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Ahmedabad (1991-1993); Principal, St. Xavier’s High School, Chavdapura (1993-1994). From 1994 to 1998 he did his studies in Rome. On his return he was appointed Rector of Shradha Interdiocesan Seminary, Ahmedabad (1998-2002); Rector of St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Ahmedabad and Spiritual Director at Gujarat Vidya Deep Seminary, Baroda (2002-2012). From 2012 till date, he is Rector of the Major Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Vianney Vihar, Professor and Spiritual Director at Gujarat Vidya Deep, Spiritual Director at St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Ahmedabad. He was a member of the College of Consultors and Presbyteral Council of the Diocese of Ahmedabad.

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop-elect Athanasius Rethna Swamy, welcome him to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and assure him of our prayers.

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

Sad Demise of Bishop Maxwell Noronha, Bishop Emeritus of Calicut

Dear Father, Sister,

It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the sad demise of Most Rev. Maxwell Noronha (92), Bishop Emeritus of Calicut, on Sunday, 28th January, 2018, at 11:20 p.m. at Nirmala Hospital, Marikunnu, Calicut, Kerala. The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 30th January, 2018, at Mother of God Cathedral, Calicut.

We thank God for the gift of Bishop Maxwell Noronha to the Church and we request you to join us in prayer.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

ICYM Elects New Team of Officers, Vows to Promote Youth Leadership

BENGALURU, JAN 28: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), the largest premier Catholic youth movement of India which is chief youth movement of the CBCI Youth Council which consists of three bishops namely Rev. Henry D’Souza Bishop of Bellary as the Chairman, Vincent Mar Paulos, the Metropolitan Bishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy of Marthandom and Mar Joseph Pandarasseril, Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam are the member bishops and Fr. Deepak Thomas KJ OCD as the Secretary. It is spread over all the states and regions of India, ICYM functions through its 14 ecclesiastical regions which are spread in 174 dioceses. ICYM strives to promote leadership among youth in various streams, such as religious, social and public life, to be at the service of the church and the nation.

ICYM held its 44th National Council at NBCLC, Bangalore on January 27 to 28th, 2018. The council was inaugurated by most Rev. Henry D’Souza Chairman of CBCI council for youth. In his opening address, Bishop D’Souza encouraged the ICYM members to put their best foot forward and urged all members to focus on prompting youth leadership and making youth capable of solving problems of the society and becoming achievers.

The Council was declared open by lighting the lamp by Bishop Henry D’Souza, Fr. Deepak Thomas KJ OCD National Youth Director, Mr Sijo Thomas, outgoing President ICYM, Ms Jenny Joy outgoing General Secretary and other council members. The crucial agenda of the meeting was to conduct elections as the previous team was completing its term.

The newly elected office bearers are:

National Youth President (NYP): Mr Vishal Francis of Agra Region

National Youth General Secretary (NYGS): Ms Mary Margret of West Bengal and Sikkim Region

National Youth Treasurer (NYT): Mr John Praveen of Tamil Nadu Region

National Youth Vice President I (NYVP-I): Ms Kimee Minj of Madhya Pradesh Region

The team will hold office for the next two years (2018-2020) working for the promotion of ICYM objectives. The new team succeeds the out-going team lead by Mr. Sijo Thomas of Kerala Region.

Charge of First Counsellor to the Apostolic Nunciature in India and Nepal

This is to inform you that we have received a Communication from the Apostolic Nunciature in India that the Holy Father Francis has approved the appointment of Monsignor Tuomo T. Vimpari as First Counsellor to the Apostolic Nunciature in Nigeria.

At the same time, the Holy Father has designated Monsignor Javier Domingo Fernández González, at present serving the Apostolic Nunciature in Nigeria, as his successor in the Apostolic Nunciature in India.

After mid-February, Msgr. Vimpari will leave his position, which he held for three years in Delhi, to reach his new mission, and in the first week of March, Msgr. Javier Domingo Fernández González will join this office.

We congratulate Msgr. Tuomo T. Vimpari on his new appointment, and while wishing him all God’s blessings in his new post, we wish to place on record our gratitude to him for all his services to the Catholic Hierarchy and to the Catholic Church in India.

May the Good Lord accompany him on his journey onwards.

We welcome Msgr. Monsignor Javier DomingoFernández González to India and look forward to working with him. May his Mission in India be filled with God’s Grace.

With an assurance of my prayers,

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

CBCI INTERACTS WITH CHAIRPERSON, NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR MINORITIES, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

New Delhi, 23rd January, 2018: Fr. Joseph Manipadam, Secretary, CBCI Office for Education and Culture and Fr. David, Secretary to Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, Secretary General CBCI, interacted with Shri. Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi today at 3.00 P.M. at the YWCA, New Delhi for almost three hours. Among others who were present at the interactive session and spoke were Mahesh Kumar Singla IPS, Advisor (N.E.) Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Bishop Collin C. Theodore (CNI), Bishop Phillip S. Masih of the Methodist Church in India and Several others from the Muslim Community and the Mindshare, the convenors.

Talking at the interactive session, Fr. J. Manipadam highlighted the contribution that the Christian Community has made in the field of Education in the country from 15th Century onwards making education inclusive, affordable and in vernacular. The contribution both in the field of school education and higher education was the pioneering work of the Christian Missionaries and that it was a compelling mission for us to reach out the love and compassion of Christ to the poor and the marginalised, he pointed out. Fr. David highlighted the plight of the tribals in the tribal areas of the country where they are deprived of many facilities and stand exposed to discrimination and neglect and the developmental initiatives have come mainly from the educational, health related and humanitarian services rendered by the Christian Community in a most unselfish and dedicated manner. The two Bishops present spoke about the need for financial support and co-operation from the Government and to ensure that equal opportunities are extended to the Minority communities and that those who make false accusation against the Church activities and Church leadership be restrained.

All the speakers were of one mind and requested the Chairperson of the National Minority Commission that the Christian Community be also have the facility like others to have a Central Government funded National Christian University; that the issuing of Minority Certificate be simplified and if need be delegate that task to the National Governing Bodies of the Minority Communities; that a National Christian Education Board be established in order to facilitate educating the 50,00,000 children who are still out of school; that multiple Accreditation Bodies be established to ensure that the accreditation of higher education institutes becomes a corruption free process; and that the Minority communities and their institutes and leadership be safeguarded from false accusations and violence.

The Chairperson for Minority Commission, in his reply assured that the requests made would be looked into and appropriate action would be taken. He elaborated the number of schemes and scholarships that are made available for the benefit of the Minorities and asked the communities to make efforts to utilise such facilities. He pointed out that the present Government has made the biggest fund allocation for the Minorities and is committed to their development. He assured that his task cut out was to reduce the distance between the Government and the Minority Communities through dialogue and interaction. All participants were of the same opinion that such interaction was the only means to sort out all problems related to the Minority Communities and their very important role in society.

PRESS RELEASE ON THE PRESENT SITUATION AT THE CATHOLIC ST. MARY’S COLLEGE, VIDISHA, MADHYA PRADESH

Christians in Madhya Pradesh have recently been passing through a very difficult period. Besides the arrest and harassment of innocent Christmas Carol singing Priests and seminarians in Satna just before Christmas, fundamentalist forces had set their eyes on St. Mary’s P.G. College, Vidisha. For the past few weeks, the ABVP, the Sanathan dharma and other like minded organizations have been threatening to forcibly perform “The Aarti of Bharat Mata” in the college Premises. On 30-12-2017, a violent mob of 60-70 persons jumped over the walls despite the presence of some 20 policemen and attempted to forcibly perform ‘Bharat Mata ki Aarti’. They threatened the Director Fr. Shaiju Devassy that they would return on 4th January and perform the Aarti at all costs and that should Father refuse to do it, they would put a garland of shoes around his neck and make him perform it. Meanwhile, the SDM of the area had already denied these groups permission to perform the Aarti. Despite this order, on 4-1-2018, true to the threats, a larger and virulent mob of over 700 persons from outside the college again attempted to forcibly enter the college premises and perform the Aarti. The Staff of three institutions in the campus which provide education for over 9,500 students unanimously agreed with the Director that the action of aarti is neither needed nor permissible in the campus. Bowing to mobs would endanger the running of the institutions and was not good for our democratic way of life, they felt. The Union Home Ministry, the Madhya Pradesh State Government and the State as well as the local Police acted effectively, efficaciously and provided full protection to the College, its staff and students.

Thereafter, the Director of the College received threats that even larger number of people would gather to forcibly enter the college on 16-1-2018 to perform the aarti, which is against the rights of the institute to administer and manage its affairs and also against the right to freedom of religion. Various offensive posts against the College management instigating others to join the mob on 16-1-2018 were circulated on social media through Facebook and Whatsapp.

On account of the threat to life to management, teachers, students and the constant disruption and as no FIR was registered against the previous assaults, authorities of St. Mary’s College were constrained to file a Writ Petition before the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking protection of their Constitutionally guaranteed rights and against forcible attempt to perform the aarti in the college premises on 16-1-2018.

The matter was taken up by the High Court on 15-1-2018. At the hearing the Additional Advocate General assured the court that the State will provide protection to St. Marys College in Vidisha against any unruly elements seeking to forcibly enter the college premises. It was also assured that adequate police personnel would be deployed and strict action would be taken against any persons attempting to take the law into their own hands.

Meanwhile, Catholic Church leaders also sent letters of appeal to the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, Shrimati Sushma Swaraj, Union Minister for External Affairs and Member of Parliament representing the Vidisha Parliamentary Constituency, Shri Amit Shah, President of the BJP and Shri Ram Madhav, the National General Secretary of the BJP and former member of the National Executive of the RSS requesting them to use their good offices to bring sanity to the area represented and ruled by their party.

We are pleased to say that as assured by the Additional Advocate General in the High Court, the State has acted fairly and taken measures to provide protection to the institution at Vidisha on 16-1-2018. A police contingent of 500 police personnel placed barricades and intercepted the trouble makers. The police also took into preventive custody thirty two potential trouble makers. On account of the decisive police action, the mob was unable to carry out their desired plan. It is our expectation that the Constitutional principles followed by the Administration in Vidisha and in the State of Madhya Pradesh protecting the constitutional rights of the Institution will be replicated and consistently followed by all the District Administrations in the State of Madhya Pradesh and other states where Christians are threatened.

In view of the support from the Union Government, the State and local administration in protecting the Constitutional rights, preventing any untoward incident in the college on 16-1-2018, and taking strong action against the trouble makers, St. Mary’s College has decided not to continue with its petition before the Honourable High Court of Madhya Pradesh. The Writ Petition has accordingly been withdrawn.

We express our gratitude to the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singhji, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan and all leaders who showed both the political will and courage to protect our constitutional and democratic rights. We are especially grateful to the State administration, police and other authorities for providing protection to the College and taking necessary action against the miscreants. We also hope that in a similar manner all the District Administrations will act in consonance with our Constitution and prevent indiscriminate groups from taking law into their own hands and thus creating disharmony in the society. After the protection received, our staff and students feel relieved and wish to continue peacefully with the task of teaching and learning entrusted to them.

God bless Madhya Pradesh and God bless our Country.

Jai Hind!

Archbishop Leo Cornelio SVD

Archbishop of Bhopal and Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Regional Bishops’ Council

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX

Secretary General, Catholic

Bishops’ Conference of India

Bishop Anthony Chirayath,

Bishop of Sagar and Chairman of St. Mary’s College Educational Society

Miao 20 January: It was a colourful confluence of various cultures of Arunachal Pradesh at the 8th Foundation Day celebrations of Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association (APCA) at Miao on 20 January 2018.

Held first time at the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh, the 8th Foundation Day of APCA saw the confluence of various cultures of Arunachal Pradesh at Christ the Light Seminary, Miao on 20 January. “This is the beauty of the Church. It brings together people from various linguistic and cultural background”, said Mr. Taw Tebin, the President of APCA.

Speaking at the inaugural function, the chief Guest, Mr. Kamlung Mosang, Cabinet Minister of Government of Arunachal Pradesh, appreciated the contribution of the Catholic Church to the people of Arunachal especially in the field o education and healthcare. “The Church has come a long way”, he said, “from being forbidden to enter Arunachal Pradesh to being in the forefront of education and healthcare to the people of Arunachal”. He also stressed on the fact that most of our present leaders in the Country and in the state have received education from Catholic institutions. “Our being kind and compassionate to the poor and the needy at times could be misunderstood as enticement to conversion. Those who received education from Catholic institutions know who we really are. Let us keep doing the good work, said the Minister, who is also one of the members of the APCA Advisory Board.

APCA that comprises of Catholic from the two dioceses of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar and Miao, has two patrons – Bishop John from Itanagar and Bishop George from Miao Diocese. Bishop George, who was present for the occasion, blessed the delegates from across the State. “We are going through troubled times. The Church has witnessed unprecedented persecution across the World. In my opinion, these occasional discomforts are good for us and the Church. It keeps us awake and does not let us be complacent”, he said. “Today we stand witness to the universal nature of the Church. It is so beautiful to see East meet West. We are not a clan-based Church; not a Tangsa church, or Singhpho church or a Tagin church, a Nishi church but Catholic Church”, he added.

Mr. Mungtan Mossang, the APCA President of East Arunachal Pradesh thanked the delegates for coming from faraway places to be a part of this event. The APCA General Secretary Mr. Pekhi Nabam and Mr. Takam Majeng, the Finance Secretary, and host of other dignitaries also spoke on the occasion.

The 8th Foundation Day of APCA saw Nishi, Tangsa, Adi and many other dance troupes from across the state perform on stage.

Training on ‘Sister Nurses as Community Enablers’ Inaugurated at CHAI - Hyderabad

The 4th batch of the 3-month training on ‘Sister Nurses as Community Enablers’, organized by the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI), for 60 sister nurses, was inaugurated on 4th Jan. 2018 by Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, Secretary General, CBCI. While delivering the keynote address to the sister trainees, he thanked them in the name of Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI). He reiterated that the Church appreciates their work in the peripheries where no-body goes, in some places, even the Government Organisations not reached. He remembered those sisters died at young age while rendering health services in interior areas to the most marginalized and excluded. Practising Church’s healing Mission, they get bruised, hurt and dirty rather than clinging to their own security.

Putting the ‘Action Plan 2020’ evolved out of the participatory Strategic Planning Process, CHAI is facilitating its Member Institutions to revisit their charism, rediscover their relevance in the emerging context and reposition their Sister Nurses/Social workers as ‘Community Health Enablers’. Over 90% of the Catholic health care facilities are managed by women religious congregations. The key to repositioning of Catholic health ministry hence is to enable women religious to revisit their health ministry and reposition themselves. The paradigm shift in this whole process is that the sister-nurses, instead of waiting for people to come to their health centers, have to reach out to people at their doorsteps.

As on date, since October 2015, a total of 27 major religious congregations in the health sector have been partnering with the project. So far, 1350 members (124 provincials &673 councillors & 553 administrators of various hospitals/ health centres) directly attended consultations at various levels, representing a total of 124 provinces, 32764 sisters, 6526 sister-nurses, 322 sister doctors. One of the components of this whole process is the three-month long training on “Sisters Nurses as Community Health enablers” provides the trainees space and time to reflect and pray over Christ’s Healing Mission. Along with, during these 3 months, the sister trainees acquires knowledge and skills in herbal remedies and alternative modes of healing/Drugless Therapies, family and de-Addiction counselling, provision of psychological first-aid in trauma, holistic geriatric and palliative care, nuances in maternal & child health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, health advocacy and communitized health care, etc.

In his keynote address to the sister trainees, Bishop Theodore highlighted the three dimensions of the training, ‘Community’, ‘Health’ and ‘Enablers’. The ‘Community’ in our context is not based on caste, religion, language and region. For us Christians, the primary focus is on the communities of the poor and marginalized that have to be enabled. The communities in peripheries that nobody cares, that are socially and economically excluded from health services. ‘Health’ in new India means where no poor woman, no man, no child over dies, because one could not afford health care. As ‘Enablers’, we should inculcate and generate health seeking behaviour among these communities; motivate people to demand and avail affordable, accessible quality health care.

In spite of many legal and other hurdles we come across today, as ‘Community Health Enablers,’ our duty is to take healthcare services to these communities, including palliative care services whereby we help people die in peace and dignity. Bishop Theodore exhorted the sister trainees that, in this whole process, Jesus should be our Model. We have no business to do anything, if it is not guided by Jesus. “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Our dedication to His Mission is 24X7 - 100% dedication. For doing this, the biggest promotion we may get is not going high, but 6 foot going down. Our works should be threaded together in prayer, especially to face courageously the current adverse scenarios.

Bishop Theodore concluded his address thanking Rev. Dr. Mathew Abraham CSsR, Director General and the team members responsible for organizing the training. Mrs. Vidyavathi, Registrar of Telangana Nursing Council, Hyderabad also addressed the trainees and gave an inspiring message.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Mumbai and an eminent citizen of the country was awarded the prestigious “3rd DR. APJ ABDUL KALAM WORLD PEACE AWARD 2017” at the 7th International Human Rights Awards Ceremony held in Delhi on 9th December 2017. The Ceremony was held at the India Islamic Centre Auditorium. The awards were conferred by the All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice (AICHLS) who were celebrating the 7th International Human Rights Awards & “7th Bhartiya Manava Adhikar Samman’ 2017” on the eve of the world Human rights day on 10th December.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, Secretary general of the Catholic Bishops’ conference of India received the award on behalf of Cardinal Gracias who could not be present as he was in Rome attending the meeting of the Group of 9 Cardinal Advisors to the Pope. The award was received by the Bishop from a group of eminent Spiritual Leaders: Swami Chidanand Saraswati , Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Dr. Mustafa Taherali Saasa , Chief Imam Dr. Umer Ahmed Ilyasi and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati.

Bishop Theodore Receiving the Award on behalf of the Cardinal thanked the Organizers for honouring our Cardinal with this prestigious award. It was remarkable, he said that this award was named after our very revered and respected President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who was a light and remains a light for us in upholding, protecting and promoting human rights. The Catholic Church which has always been in the forefront in the field of human rights feels proud and honoured that our Cardinal Oswald Gracias has been honoured with his award. The Catholic church honours and respects our great President Abdul Kalam in whose name this award is instituted. Bishop Theodore in the name of Cardinal thanked everyone for the love and affection shown to Cardinal Gracias and the Catholic Church through this award.

Report of the international migrants day gathering in the Archdiocese of Bangalore

The Commission for the Migrants in the Archdiocese of Bangalore organized the annual International Migrants Day gathering at Good Shepherd auditorium (Sisters of the Good shepherd), Bangalore on 14thJanuary, 2018.

Around 700 participants comprising of North East, African, Adivasi community from Jharkhand, Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, people from Orissa, Hindi speaking communities from different states and other ethnic groups along with the fathers and sisters who are caring in various ministries for the migrants gathered for the programme. Most of them came for the programme in their traditional attires and showcased their cultural items. Fr. Edward Thomas SDB, the Joint Secretary of the commission welcomed everyone and expressed his gratitude for the response of the participants for making the day a memorable one.

The day began with “Praise and worship” led by the SRM (Spiritual Revival Ministry) and Brothers of Betharram fathers and friends from African continent. The groups let the audience into a prayerful mood through their prayers and devotional hymns. During the praise and worship, participants were given time for Sacrament of reconciliation, Spiritual direction, etc…Rev. Sr. Theresa Meera RGS, the provincial superior of the Good Shepherd congregation addressed everyone and gave a message in which she stressed about oneness of the Migrants community living in and around Bangalore and their various contribution to our local church and society.

The Eucharistic celebration was celebrated by Msgr. S. Jayanathan, the vicar general of the archdiocese of Bangalore, along with 9 con-celebrants who

are involved in various ministries of the migrant community in Bangalore and helping as spiritual directors for various migrant communities. During his sermon, Msgr. S. Jayanathanin said, “we welcome every migrant person in this archdiocese without any reservation and offer them our service” . The eucharistic celebration was enhanced with traditonal hymns by the different communites from Hindi speaking, African nationals and Nepali communities.

Archbishop Bernard Moras welcomed and assured support to every migrant community and individual who is in the archdiocese of Bangalore. He expressed his wholehearted support towards every concern of the migrants in the archdiocese and encouraged everyone to come out of their fear and live happily He said, “We are called as shepherds of the new flock and I assure you all assistance to make your lives meaningful”. He asked the participants to raise their views and concerns of the ministry of the archdiocese towards the migrants in the archdiocese, and a few of them shared their life situation during the time of interaction. Mr. Sanjay Khalkho, hails from Jharkhand, working as a faculty trainer in presidency college of Hotel Management said, “I feel at home and enjoy being with gathering of migrants. The commission make great effort to bring us together and support us various ways”. Dr. Rini Ralte, the Co-ordinator for the help desk of the North-Eastern communities in Bangalore interacted with the participants. She shared various inputs from her work experience for a better stay in places like Bangalore and other metropolitan cities.

The afternoon was devoted to various cultural programme in which different communities showcase their traditional attire in the form of songs and dances. The BCCM (Bangalore Christian Community of Meghalaya), the NECCB (North East Catholic Community of Bangalore), the Nepali Christian community of Bangalore, the garment workers from Garo hills, members of the Chota Nagpur and Adivasi Community from Jharkhand added more enthusiasm and colour with their traditional singing and cultural events. Fr. Joy SDB, who works among the migrants in Kerala, shared his joy of being with the migrant community in Bangalore today. He said, “the caring for migrants and the programmes like this is a like an open wide the door for Christ in today’s challenging world”. Fr. Solomon Thezii, a priest from the diocese of Imphal said, “I feel happy that the archdiocese welcome everyone without any reservation and accept them in their midst”.

Fr. Shaju Kalappurakkal SCJ, executive secretary for the commission for the migrants in the archdiocese of Bangalore expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the people saying “My heart is with the migrant people and I was very happy that everyone turns up with my expectation for the programme, and it is you who make the gathering successful. One of the participant, Miss Jacinta Khozawl, who hails from Haflong Parish, Diocese of Diphu, remarked , “ the gathering was a sign of unity among people of migrants in Bengaluru and our dream has come true”. Fr. Martin Puthussery SJ, the general secretary expressed his gratitude and said that we are blessed with a blessed group of people who come from different cultures and enrich us to go more social and global in our understanding. The archdiocese of Bangalore formed the commission for the migrants in October 2015 and CRI unit of Bangalore has taken a great initiative to work out the various ministry for the migrants along with the pastoral care . Soon after its formation, the commission have been organizing various programmes for the migrant communities in the archdiocese of Bangalore.

It is with deep sorrow that I inform you of the sad demise of Most Rev. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios, Bishop Emeritus of Puttur Diocese of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, at 2.30 p.m., today, 16th January, 2018, at Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital, Tiruvalla, Kerala.

He was the Bishop of the Diocese of Puttur from 2010-2016, Bishop of the Diocese of Bathery from 1997-2010 and was the Rector of St. Mary’s Malankara Seminary from 1994-1997.

The funeral of the departed Bishop will be held at 2.00 p.m. on Thursday, at St. John’s Cathedral, Tiruvalla, Kerala.

You are kindly requested to pray for the repose of the soul of His Excellency Bishop Geevarghese Mar Divannasios.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General (CBCI)

Rev. Fr. James Athikalam appointed as new Bishop of the Eparchy of Sagar.

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that having been accepted by the Holy See the resignation presented by His Lordship Anthony Chirayath, Bishop of the Eparchy of Sagar upon completing the age of 75, His Holiness Pope Francis, receiving the request of the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church, has appointed Rev. Fr. James Athikalam, MST, as the new Bishop of the Eparchy of Sagar. He is until now Director of Nirmal Jyoti Mental Health Programme, Bhopal.

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Friday, 12th January, 2018, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

Rev. Fr. James Athikalam, MST, was born on 5th July, 1958, at Pulincunnoo, Changanacherry. He was ordained priest on 22nd March, 1984, for the Missionary Society of St. Thomas the Apostle (MST). He holds a Master’s Degree from Mysore University. He has obtained a licentiate in Biblical Theology and Doctorate in Patrology from Rome. As a priest he worked at Barnagar in the Diocese of Ujjain, and later was appointed professor and procurator of the Diocesan Minor Seminary of Ujjain and professor at the MST Minor Seminary. In 1991, he was appointed Director of the Missionary Orientation Course at Jeevan Jyothi, Mandya, professor of Patrology in Ruhalaya Major Seminary, Ujjain, of which he was later appointed Rector. He became the Director General of the Missionary Society of St. Thomas the Apostle and was serving in that office till last year. At present he is the Director of Nirmal Jyoti Mental Health Programme, Bhopal. He knows Malayalam, English and Hindi very well. Besides, he knows Latin, Greek, Syriac, Italian, French and German.

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop-elect James Athikalam, welcome him to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and assure him of our prayers.

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

Rev. Fr. John Nellikunnel elected Bishop of the Eparchy of Idukki.

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Archiepiscopal Church, gathered at Mount St. Thomas, Kerala, having received prior Papal Assent according to CCEO can.184, canonically elected to the office of Bishop of the Eparchy of Idukki, Rev. Fr. John Nellikunnel, till now Secretary of the Corporate Education Agency of the Eparchy of Idukki.

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Friday, 12th January, 2018, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

Rev. Fr. John Nellikunnel was born on 22nd March, 1973, at Kadaplamattom, Kerala. He was baptized on 1st April, 1973. He completed his primary education from St. Mary’s School, Mariapuram. He joined St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Kothamangalam on 18th June, 1988 and there completed his Pre-Degree education. He accomplished philosophical and theological studies from St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor, during 1991-1998. He was ordained priest on 30th December, 1998 at St. Mary’s Church, Mariapuram. He exercised his parish ministry as assistant Vicar in St. Sebastian Church, Nedumkandam, Infant Jesus Church, Kombayar and in St. Mary’s Church, Manjapetty. From 2000 to 2001 he served as assistant Vicar in St. George’s Church, Vazhakkulam. In 2001, from January to June, he was the assistant Vicar in St. Sebastian Church, Thodupuzha. He obtained a Licentiate in Philosophy from Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome (2001-2003) and Doctorate in Philosophy from Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome (2003-2006). Then he was appointed vicar in St. Thomas Church, Mavady (2007, February to May). From 2007 to 2010 he served as Eparchial Chancellor and Secretary to the Bishop. Besides this, he served also as Director of Catechetical Department and Bible Apostolate. In 2010 he was appointed resident staff at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Mangalapuzha. Besides this, he served as House Procurator of the Seminary from 2011-2015. From 2015 to 2017 he was Dean of Philosophy at Mangalapuzha Seminary. At present, he is the Secretary of the Corporate Education Agency of the Eparchy of Idukki.

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop-elect John Nellikunnel, welcome him to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and assure him of our prayers.

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

REPORT ON FUNDAMENTALIST ATTACKS AGAINST ST. MARY’S P.G. COLLEGE VIDISHA, MADHYA PRADESH

A grave situation has arisen in Vidisha, where a group of fundamentalists have virtually created a law and order problem in the district of Vidisha. The management of St. Mary’s PG was first threatened and then in fact was under heavy assault by a mob of hooligans organized by the ABVP. A grave threat to life and property was avoided due to the heavy presence of Police who acted very efficiently and decisively to avert a major calamity. St. Mary’s Vidisha is in the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Sagar. It falls in the Assembly Constituency of Vidisha which has been represented by the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and in the Parliamentary Constituency which goes by the same name represented by the Ministry of External Affairs Mrs. Sushma Swaraj. Therefore Vidisha is an important political arena and whatever happens there has grave State level and Nation wide significance.

Background

The Catholic Church runs three high quality institutions in Vidisha: Senior Secondary Trinity Convent School which was started nearly 50 years ago and has educated thousands of students of the area. It currently has 4,500 students. St. Mary’s Senior Secondary School which has 2200 students and has been imparting education since 18 years. St. Mary’s P.G. College was started 18 years ago and at present has 1800 students.

Fr. Shaju Devassy is the Director of St. Mary’s P.G. College and holds the post since the last 3 years. He has had no problems over the last three years and the atmosphere in the college has been very conducive and peaceful.

In November 2017, under the instructions of the University, Student Representative Elections were held. All 49 class representatives were elected as Independents without affiliation to any party or panel. In fact there were no student union panels in the College. After the elections were held, suddenly out of nowhere the ABVP- the Student union wing of the BJP entered into the fray, formed a post-election panel and captured all the posts in the Students Council.

From then on, the ABVP has been creating problems and raising issues. The first issue that was raised was about displaying within the college Campus, a poster with photos of the elected Student Council Office Bearers around a picture of “Bharat Mata” goddess. The ABVP without permission installed within the college premises, two Posters with photos of Office Bearers and a picture which they called Bharat Mata. The Director Fr. Shaju pointed out that this was against the University regulations, and was done without permission. Therefore, he gently requested them to take the two posters away. The students promised that they would take it out within 3 days. However, the poster was not taken away within the promised 3 days. After the lapse of three days, the College administration removed the posters.

First Attack and Response

On 29th December, Fr. Shaju was telephonically informed by a well-wisher that a campaign had been launched against St. Mary’s College in the Facebook and other Social Media. In the campaign hatred was being promoted against the College in regards to “Bharat Mata ki Aarti” describing the college authorities as anti-national. The demand was that the ‘Aarti’ of “Bharat Mata” be allowed in the college as an expression of nationalism.

Fr. Shaju approached Bishop Anthony Chirayath, Bishop of Sagar and the Chairman of the College for instructions in the matter. Bishop Chirayath took a firm, principled and convinced stand that permission cannot be granted for the “Aarti” in the college campus.

In the morning of 30th December, 2017, the Director called for an emergency meeting of the College Staff regarding the “Bharat Mata ki Aarti”. Even while the meeting was in progress, two police constables came to the college with information that ABVP activists were going to enter the campus. The Director personally went to the main gate and guided the Security Guards in dealing with the matter. Meanwhile the Thana Incharge (TI) of the Civil Thana also arrived to the spot.

A mob of about 70 people had meanwhile reached the gate within a short span of time and began arguing with the Director. The TI informed the SDM of Vidisha about the fast developing situation who responded immediately by sending the Tehsildar. As the situation began worsening and becoming potentially dangerous, the TI advised the Director to move away from the mob. Fr. Shaju left and went to the Church presbytery which is about a kilometre away. Sometime later, the Teshildar asked the Director to receive the mob in his chamber for a discussion. Fr. Saju refused to meet the mob but agreed to meet four representatives of the group. As the four representatives entered the Church area, the entire mob jumped over the boundary wall, surrounded Fr. Shaju and began threatening and abusing him. The leaders of the mob made it clear that many more would come on 4th January 2018 to the College Campus and would not only perform “Aarti” but would force the Director Fr. Shaju to do the same. In menacing tones they warned him that should he refuse to do the “Aarti”, they would garland him with ‘juthe ki mala’ (garland of shoes). Another ABVP activist questioned Fr. Shaju, whether he knew Indian Culture. He asked the Director “Shiksha ki devi kaun hai? (Who is the goddess of Education?) Why is Saraswati Vandana (worship of goddess Saraswati) not being done in the college? The final verbal shot at the Director was that “Bharat Mata Aarti” was to be performed as a sign of Patriotism. As Indians, the activists claimed that they did not require permission from any one and would perform it anywhere without anybody’s permission. Having imparted this ominous warning, the mob left the Church compound.

Fr. Shaju immediately contacted the Chairman Bishop Chirayath who is out of station and other authorities of the Diocese and of the MP Regional Bishops’ Council regarding the matter. The Chairman was firm in his decision and advised the Director to take precautionary measures for 4th of January 2018.

A letter was drafted clearly reporting everything that took place and given to the Collector, SSP, SDM, TI and Nodal college of Vidisha. On 2nd January 2018, the Director along with few representatives met with Inspector Generals Shri Yogesh Choudary (IG, law and order), Shri Jaideep Prasad (Divisional IG), Shri Manoj Sharma (IG Intelligence) in Bhopal and submitted a memorandum on the issue. They responded immediately and positively assuring their full support and protection. In the presence of the representatives, the IG contacted the SSP of Vidisha who was on leave and the ASP of Vidisha and gave strict orders to act immediately. In the late evening of 2nd January, Fr. Shaju received a phone call from the SSP assuring his full support and asked Fr. Shaju to come for a meeting on 3rd January 2018. On 3rd January, the Director met with the Municipal Chairman of Vidisha along with representatives and informed him of the situation. The Municipal Chairman Shri Mukesh Tandon offered 3 options: (1) Give in and allow the activists to perform the Aarti and thus buy peace. (2) He proposed that he would call the authorities of all the Private Schools in the area and give them an order to do the same (3) He requested the Director to negotiate with the activists asking for more time to decide upon the matter. The SSP assured full protection and asked for suggestions in managing the entire situation. He advised the Fathers not to indulge in arguments with anyone and to take self-protective measures.

CBCI Responds

Meanwhile Fr. Freejo, the Associate Director of the College informed Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, the Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India who immediately got in touch with the Union Home Ministry and appraised them of the highly volatile situation in St. Mary’s College Vidisha. Mr. Alphons Kannanthanam, Minister of State for tourism and Mr. Conrad Sangma Member of Parliament facilitated the direct intervention of the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and the Home Ministry office. The Archbishop of Bhopal, Archbishop Leo Cornelio, the Chairman of the MP Regional Bishops Council was also in touch with the state authorities.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas from the moment he got the information remained in constant touch with the Fathers in the College and in continuous communication with Fr. Biju Thottankara, the Deputy Regional Secretary of MP Region who is also a priest of Sagar Diocese. Fr. Biju had moved over for the day from Bhopal to the St. Mary’s College Campus to be with the Fathers. Fr. Robin Devassy, the Vicar General of Sagar Diocese had also come over to the college

.Violent Assault

In the evening of 3rd January, the SSP telephonically asked Fr. Shaju if he had any objection if “Aarti” to Bharat Mata was performed in the temple in front of the College on the National Highway. Fr. Shaju very clearly said that he had no objection to it. Sometime later the ASP called to warn Fr. Shaju that the whole of Vidisha was against him and that he was a complete minority on the issue. From the evening of 3rd January Security was provided to the College.

On 4th January 2018, a police force of over 300 personnel, fully equipped to deal with any eventuality was stationed outside the entire campus including St. Mary’s School and Trinity Convent School. It was decided to continue with the normal functioning of the three institutions. Meanwhile a copy of the letter issued by the SDM to the College Council secretary denying the permission to performArti to Bharat Mata was also received by the College Management thus confirming that Fr. Shaju’s decision in refusing permission to do the Arti on 30th December was correct.

On 4th January, 2018, around 11.30 am, a group of unruly elements reached the Church compound gate. They were blocked by the Police. They began to shout slogans and abusive words against the Institution and the Director. After a while, they broke the barricades and approached the temple where they performed the “Aarti”. The College premises until then were peaceful and classes were running normally. All of a sudden, a handful of students got out of the classrooms, shut the door, entered an empty room and tried to perform the “Aarti”. The Police intervened immediately and stopped the action. Meanwhile, there was high tension for over 2 hours at the main gate where over 800 hooligans had gathered and were beginning to put pressure on the police personnel breaking through the barricades and trying to enter the college campus.

Meanwhile, another group tried to force its way into the college campus breaking a side boundary wall. Even as they managed to break a part of the wall, the Police rushed to the area and stopped them from entering. A few of the unruly elements began pelting stones at the college. In the tense situation it is reported that the police were forced to resort to mild lathi charge and tear gas. At least 3 policemen were reported to be injured. Meanwhile, as the bell was ringing for end of the classes a few students rushed out of the class and joined ABVP agitators in raising slogans. A little after 2.30 pm., the mob slowly moved away. The Police security remained till late night.

Secretary General of CBCI Rushes to Vidisha

On 5th January, 2018, the next day after the tumultuous events, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India came rushing to Vidisha. Immediately on arrival, he met with the Fathers and Sisters serving in the campus. Fr. Shaju Devassy, the Director, Fr. Freejo Chiniyankandath, the Associate along with the Franciscan Clarist Sisters and JMJ Sisters who minister the campus participated in the meeting. Also present were Fr. Biju Thotthunkara the Deputy Regional Secretary of MP Region and Fr. Maria Stephen, PRO of the MP Region.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas appreciated and congratulated Fr. Shaju, the Director, the Fathers and the Sisters for the courage, fortitude, the tact and conviction with which they faced the challenging situation.

He however also pointed out that 30th January and 4th January are just flash points of a much more alarming ground situation. While the stand taken by the College management under guidance of Bishop Chirayath and the Diocesan authorities is clear and principled, a back-up strategy is required to win the hearts and minds of the people of Vidisha, the parents and teachers. It is necessary to make the people understand that what is at stake is not simply one event of Aarti. The very idea of a free secular India, where everyone can live in liberty and without fear as willed by our Freedom Fighters and our Constitution was under attack. We would also need to identify other measures like a legal remedy to impede future recurrences of forced mob interventions of this type.

The Bishop also expressed the need for a frequent interaction with staff, students and civil society in defusing the tension and in fighting the forces of hatred. He advised the Fathers and Sisters to have regular staff meetings and to meet with parents individually to convey and communicate the right ideas.

He congratulated Fr. Shaju and the Fathers for following the legal ways in dealing with the dangerous situation and getting the support of the State, District and Local administrations and Police. Bishop Theodore was full of praise for the Government Authorities: Shri Rajnath Singh, the Union Home Minister, Shri Shivraj Chauhan, the Chief Minister and the 3 Inspector Generals of Police as well as the disciplined Police force and local administration, the SSP, SDM, ASP and others who maintained the rule of law and did not allow the situation to get out of hand.

Bishop Theodore then addressed over 300 professors, teachers and staff of the three institutions and held an interactive session with them for more than two and a half hours. In his address the Secretary General of the CBCI made clear the following issues:

He thanked the teachers and professors who have been dedicatedly teaching the students. He said the teacher’s vocation is a noble call because the teacher is involved in enlightening the minds of our young citizens with knowledge and enriching their hearts with principles of love, generosity and service. He thanked them for being partners with the Catholic Church in forming loyal, disciplined and dedicated citizens for Mother India. The aim of our Catholic institutions is to nurture the growth of healthy, peace loving citizens who help to build a harmonious society and a strong united India amidst its rich flowering diversity.

St. Mary’s P.G. College is a totally unaided minority Institution and the Catholic Church runs and maintains these type of institutions with much sacrifice and pain in order to serve society. Everyone is aware that St. Mary’s College has been providing education to many students who otherwise may have never been able to get this education. A majority of students in St. Mary’s come from underprivileged sections of society.

Students studying in our Institution must remember that they are in St. Mary’s because of the sacrifices of their parents who sweat it out to pay for their studies. Their parents sent them to college to study, not to participate in violent demonstrations.

What happened on 30th December 2017 and 4th January 2018 is not a fight between nationalism and anti-nationalism. It is a fight between Discipline and goondaism. We cannot allow this country to be ruled by mobs. Our students themselves must know that mobocracy will not be tolerated and does not pay.

Any attempt to communalise the situation is to be thwarted in the bud. Our nationalism is not to be decided and cannot be judged by mobs who are ready to storm into institutions and impose things upon others. Everyone has a right to worship and do Aarti to whom he or she believes is a deity. But no worship of any type can be imposed on any individual or institution.

We love and respect our Bharat Mata as much if not more but always through approved Constitutional means. Saluting the flag, singing the National Anthem, serving the poor of this country, following the rule of law and being disciplined citizens is real nationalism. People who storm colleges and aggressively impose their ideologies are the real anti-nationals.

It should never be forgotten that our Freedom Fighters who earned our Independence with their sweat and blood gave us a Constitution that respects every man and women in his or her dignity irrespective of Religion, Region, Language or any other factor. At partition while one country decided to be based on religious affiliation, our wise fore-fathers chose to give us this beautiful country with its diversity without imposing any one Religion on its citizens. We should proudly protect the Constitution that they have given us.

The country has a choice between two types of Nationalisms: the one practiced by Nathuram Godse and the other by Mahatma Gandhi. We promote Gandhian Nationalism. The anti-nationals are those who resort to violence to get their way.

Professors, teachers, men and women of good will must unite and stop mobocracy from taking hold. We must be sensitive to the right formation of our students and make sure that they abide by the rule of law.

Let us work to build the country together. Let us encourage the culture of love and dispel the forces of darkness and hatred.

As far as the demand of the fundamentalist right wing is concerned that the worship of Bharat Mata be imposed on every institution and on every individual, it should be made clear.

Nationalism is defined by our Constitution and no one has the right to call others anti-national or non-patriotic based on one’s whims and fancies. This is a free country and let nationalism be decided by the rule of law.

We have duly elected Governments to maintain law and order and to enforce the rule of law. The Central Government, the State Government and the Vidisha Administration along with the State and Local Police have demonstrated beautifully on 4th January, 2018, the political will to enforce the rule of law. No individual or institutions can be placed at the mercy of mobs who wish to impose their own rules and regulations.

The Bishop had a special word of thanks and appreciation for the disciplined police force, for the authorities both at the state and national level who protected the Institution and students and more importantly asserted that goondaism, hooliganism and indiscipline will not be allowed to hold sway.

After listening to the Bishop, the teachers and professors through various interventions unanimously appreciated the stand taken by Fr. Shaju and the College management. They declared that no mob, no group can be allowed to impose its will on the management and individuals. What is legal and illegal has to be decided by the Constitution not by the stray organizations and individuals.

The staff also expressed their concern for the safety of the Fathers, Sisters and the institutions and hoped the Government Administration and Police would continue to stand by the institution as they did earlier.

Fr. Biju Thottankara thanked Bishop Theodore for addressing the meeting and congratulated Fr. Shaju, the Fathers, Sisters and the Staff for their courageous behaviour on the 30th December and 4th January.

Further Threats

At this point it is good to mention that the ABVP along with the Sanathan Dharma has announced a fresh assault on St. Mary’s College on 16th January 2018. After St. Mary’s College, some people have now come to Nirmala Convent School in the district of Vidisha and to another Catholic Institution Puspha Vidhyalaya, Sivani in Raisen District and threatened that they would perform Aarti of Bharat Mata inside the School Campus. Once again we have sought police protection.

But as Bishop Theodore says, someone has to bell the cat and this spread of hatred, fundamentalism and mob violence has to stop. This country is too great a country with its long tradition of peaceful harmonious living and we are happy that our Union Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and the administration at all levels has stood by the Constitutional values.

As Bishop Theodore left for Bhopal on his way to the Airport Fr. Shaju, the Fathers and Sisters thanked the Bishop very profusely for standing by them in this difficult time. Fr. Shaju told Bishop that they were totally demoralized but after the Secretary General’s visit they felt encouraged and stronger. The Secretary General assured then all help from the CBCI and promised them that while they continue to take the help of the State and local administrations and Police, he would approach the Central Government authorities for all help.

Fr. Shaju Devassy

Director, St. Mary’s PG College

Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh

7th January 2018.

PRESS RELEASE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW YEAR 2018

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India wishes you a New Year filled with God’s abundant blessings, His Peace and Joy. As India and the World ushers in 2018, we look forward with hope and enthusiasm. We pray for our beloved Country, for our Political and Spiritual leaders, and for every Indian, that 2018 may be a year of peace and harmony, of love and fraternity, of inclusive and integral development for all peoples.

Even as we enter the New Year, a series of happenings that threaten the very idea of India have been taking place.

We have been saddened by disturbing reports of an uncalled for attack on Dalits in Pune, Maharashtra. According to Newspaper reports, “groups carrying saffron flags allegedly attacked Dalits headed to the British-built memorial to those who died in the battle of 1818.” That this annual event is suddenly under attack is an alarming sign and we condemn the violence unequivocally. We appeal for peace and harmony.

In Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, a Catholic Institution, St. Mary’s Post Graduate College is being threatened by ABVP activists that trouble will be created on 4th January 2018 in the college. The College has already been attacked once by these lumpen elements on 30th December 2017 who entered the college by scaling walls and as one Newspaper called it creating a “hungama” demanding that a certain type of worship be enforced in the College. The attack took place in the presence of over 20 policemen who watched without acting. This type of terrorism is unacceptable. This false nationalism must stop. That mobs of these type are being emboldened as was earlier seen in Satna is worrying and disturbing.

Meanwhile a fact finding team of lawyers deputed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has reported that the tiny Christian community there is frightened and worried. Among other things, they observed that “The Bajrang dal activists shouted slogans against Christians and used filthy and foul language to abuse them. They asked the brothers and Priests to come forward one by one and took photos of everyone and wrote down the phone numbers; and the police silently watched. It looked as if the whole incident was scripted and directed by Bajrang dal Activists with the sponsorship of the Police. The police did not do anything to protect the brothers. The manhandling and thrashing by the Bajrang Dal members was so ruthless that many got bruises and injuries; and spectacles of three brothers were broken. They forced the brothers to say, Jai Sriram, Jai Bajrang Bali.”

An MLA from UP has been making dangerously communal statements including threatening to break the limbs of “cow killers” in the state, promising not to spare those who refuse to sing Vande Mataram and claiming that this country belongs only to one community. Another MLA from Rajasthan has accused a particular community claiming that they bear more children as part of a plan to take control of India. An union minister has gone on record stating that the growing population of the country, especially of a certain community, is a threat to the social fabric, social harmony, and development of the country. What is troubling is that these statements are being made without any rebuttals. Yet another Union Minister had the audacity to claim that his party would soon change the Constitution (of India), "which mentions the word "secular." He even went on to say that "Those who, without knowing about their parental blood, call themselves secular, they don't have their own identity...They don't know about their parentage, but they are intellectuals." An apology came only after protests in Parliament.

But we also see a silver lining. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference appreciates our Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan “sab ka sath, sab ka vikas” and his desire to work for all Indians. We wish to thank Shri Rajnath Singh our Home Minister for not only assuring us of safety during the Christmas Celebrations but even issuing an advisory to all states “to ensure law and order during Christmas in the wake of fringe elements threatening some Christian community members against celebrating the festival”. This built confidence in the Community during the celebrations. Leaders like Sushma Swaraj with compassion and kindness are helping people in trouble and distress without distinctions of religion, creed, language or region. There are many other Ministers in the Union cabinet and in the States who do their work with justice and dedication and they deserve our compliments. Assurances of pre-emptive action on 4th January 2018 from Inspector General, (Bhopal Region), Inspector General (Law and Order), and Inspector General (Intelligence) Madhya Pradesh to thwart the threatened attack by goons on St. Mary’s College, Vidisha has boosted the confidence of our Fathers there.

It is time for all of us to come together to preserve the traditional brotherhood, peace and harmony in our beloved country. Our history manifests how our people have paid a high price in terms of loss, death and bloodshed due to hatred and division. It is a time for peace and a bounden duty on each one of us to ensure that every Indian feels safe, grows and prospers in freedom.

We appeal to leaders across the political spectrum to recognise that groups and individuals spreading poison and sowing hatred are increasing and are being emboldened. India is equipped with a constitutional law and order machinery. It is time to call off the Cow Vigilantes who have created a fear psychosis in parts of the country. We need to come down heavily on mobs of whatever colour or shade they may be. Groups and organizations indulging in violence or even threatening to take law into their hands should be dealt with severely. Individuals whether Ministers, Members of Parliament or even local leaders who indulge in disruption of communal harmony should be publicly denounced by their parties and action should be taken against them. Our Freedom fighters sacrificed themselves to hand over to future generations a secular country “where the mind is without fear and the head is held high”. When partition took place, two countries were created - one on religious lines, the other our own cherished India as a secular home for all. History will not forgive this present generation if we lose that legacy earned through the sacrifices and blood of our freedom fighters, protected by the lives of our soldiers and served selflessly by every Indian working to create an India “Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls”.

God bless our India God bless each one of us.

Jai Hind.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General,

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India

NDTV We The People: Not So Merry A Christmas?

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, Secretary General, CBCI participated in a debate on conversions in the program WE THE PEOPLE on NDTV. Other participants on show were Kanchi Illiah - Dalit leader, author of “Why I am not a Hindu”, Shivam Vij- Independent Journalist, Pankhuri Pathak SP Spokesperson, Dr. R. Bala Shankar BJP Spokesperson, Mr. Sharma Chairman of NIOS.

Cristmas Video Reflection

Christmas Message is by courtesy of Most Rev. Percival Fernandez

CBCI TO WORK WITH GOVERNMENT FOR PROMOTION OF DIGNITY OF DOMESTIC WORKERS THROUGH SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

about 400,000 to 5,00,000 Domestic workers are SAID TO EB SERVING in Delhi most of whom, are the tribals from Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Often the New Economic Development policies which forced displacement and loss of livelihood of the tribals forced them to come to cities and towns of the country to find possibilities of livelihood, and even live in the slum. Many are working as Domestic workers in families, while some are in the construction sector and many are working in unorganized sectors. It has also come to our notice that very few of the Domestic workers are receiving above Rs. 15,000/- per month beside their food and shelter. But most of the Domestic workers (DW) are not paid their due wages, old Domestic Workers are pushed out and new Domestic Workers are taken in conveniently paying less salaries, Many are facing physical, sexual and verbal abuses. Many girls are living with men without getting married and having children outside of marriage are despised by the families and society. They do not have centers for gatherings and meetings. Similarly they do not have facilities for communications or Support. Legal aid is a dream for them. There is no place or opportunity for training, skill development and meetings with employers. On a positive note, it was observed that the domestic workers are called ‘Didi’ or called by their names in the families. From the degrading title ‘ Naukarani’ to a more respectable ‘Didi’ has been something positive on the part of the employers, said Sarita Baa from Jharkhand. It is necessary that interaction takes place between them and those citizens and Organizations who are working to uphold Human rights, dignity, equality, and freedom. With the situation as it stands, it is not possible for the domestic workers to live as decent citizens of this country.

In view of the prevailing misery and inhuman conditions of the Domestic workers, on 13th December 2017the CBCI Office for Tribal Affairs and the Office for Labour jointly organized a meeting of the leaders and social activists who are involved in the recognition of the Domestic Workers as workers and for their due rights .

In the meeting Adv. Sr. Rani HCM explained the possibilities and invited all to join together so that the domestic workers can avail of the governments schemes, social security and other benefits.. She also emphasized that we need to continue demanding for the recognition of the Domestic Workers as ‘Workers’ and work for due rights for the unorganized workers so that all are treated equally as citizens of the country with rights and justice.

Ms.Shreejita Dey from the Domestic Workers Sector Skill Council (DWSSC), which is a non-profit organization, under the aegis of National Skill Development Corporation of the ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, explained the possibilities of professionalizing the domestic workers by upgrading the domestic skills. Abilities and development is not necessarily about formal education alone, but about skills she pointed out. The primary role of the council is to fix National standards for domestic work, work out a curriculum and give certification. She narrated about the facilitating linkages among various stakeholders, and ways to develop labour market information, creation of skill aspiration and appreciation, standard process of skill training, building of institutional capacities, and creation of a favourable working environment.

In his concluding remarks, Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, Secretary General of CBCI, encouraged the new initiative. He reiterated that the Catholic Church in India was committed to the poor, marginalized, the tribals, the dalits, women and children. The Domestic workers and the unorganized workers need our utmost concern and compassionate love and support. Appreciating the team work of CBCI offices for Labour and Tribal Affairs, he said we wish to collaborate in the activities of the government all over the country so that that the uneducated and less educated youths will have opportunity for livelihood with dignity.

The meeting concluded with a resolution to start the programme with a group of 30 Domestic workers in one place in January, 2018, with DWSSC leading the pilot project and hoping that it will be followed by many other groups. Sr. Jonita proposed a vote of thanks to all for creating positive hope among the Domestic workers.

Report By

Sr. Rani HCM CBCI Office for labour

Fr. Nicholas Barla, CBCI Office for Tribal Affairs.

Condemnation of the attack on Carol singing Priests and Seminarians in Madhya Pradesh

15th December, 2017

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India expresses its shock, pain and hurt at the unprovoked violence against Catholic Priests and Seminarians in Satna in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh on the night of 14th December 2017. A group of 30 Seminarians and two priests from St. Ephrem’s Theological College in Satna were detained as they were conducting a routine Christmas carol singing programme which has been the practice during the Christmas season for the last 30 years. Unfortunately, in Madhya Pradesh there have been other signs of harassment of the Catholic Church in the last few months about which we have not raised a hue and cry.

What is even more shocking is that eight priests who later went to inquire about the detained priests and seminarians were also taken into custody. Shamefully the situation outside the police station was allowed to be so hostile that even those who wanted to approach the detained persons could get no access to them. The charge of conversion on which the priests and seminarians are detained is frivolous and laughable. The violence perpetrated by groups who claim to be “nationalists” and have taken upon themselves the mantle of protecting “nationalism’ and “religion” is disgraceful. The complicity of the police who arrested the seminarians and stood by helplessly as the priests and seminarians were assaulted is disgusting and appalling. Such misuse of the police force and break down of law and order is not tolerable in a democracy and in a civilized Society.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India condemns the behaviour of the goons who even went on to torch the vehicle of the priests. All right thinking Indians will hang their heads in shame at these terrorists who have taken on the garb of ‘religious police”. We are absolutely sure that they do not speak in the name of our very broad minded and peace loving Hindu brethren. It is sad that this attack comes just two days after the effusive praise heaped upon the Catholic Church by the Honourable Vice President of India Shri. Venkaiah Naidu at the Christmas Celebrations 2017 organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India in Delhi on 12th December 2017

It is worrying that this incident of mobocracy occurs among a host of other incidents happening around the country in States ruled by leaders cutting across party lines. The video clipping of the gruesome murder of Mohammad Afrazul, a migrant worker from West Bengal who was hacked with a cleaver and then set on fire by a man in Rajsamand, Rajasthan on the suspicion of being in a relationship with a woman from another religious faith has recently gone viral around the world. Reports that rallies are being planned in favour of this murderer are disturbing. Political murders in Kannur, Kerala and elsewhere, brutal killings of journalists in the last few months in Bihar, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tripura and in other places do not give our beloved country a good name. Lynchings of more than 32 persons over the last two years almost all from one minority community on the suspicion of killing a cow or possessing beef is creating a fear psychosis among the minorities. These acts of Cow Vigilantes do not bring credit to our democratic nation with its long tradition of being the model of civilized living and harmonious existence in comparison to some other countries in the neighbourhood. Our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has himself condemned mobs taking law into their own hands. “Some anti-social elements have made cow protection a medium for spreading anarchy. People involved in disturbing harmony in the country are also taking advantage of it…These affect the image of the country. State governments should take strict action against such anti-social elements.” he told an all party meeting in July, 2017.

We hail with pride, as Indian citizens, the words our Vice President Shri Naidu, uttered two days ago, “Christmas is the festival of love, joy and sharing. It is a time to renew our commitment to love and serve our families, communities and society; to be just and transparent in our dealings; to promote social and economic inclusion of all; to promote lasting peace between people of different religions and cultures and to promote sustainable development”.

The incident in Satna just a few days before Christmas is shameful and deplorable. Even worse, lynchings, mob attacks and brutal killings of innocent victims with culprits often not being found or going unpunished for months are large blots on our democracy.

It is time that we go beyond words and promises. Violence is dangerous. Our history has repeatedly shown us that violence and bloodshed, hate and fear, cannot help build a New India. Riots and mayhem have left behind destitute orphans and widows. We are not angry; we hold no grudge. We are sad and pained that our beloved Country is getting a bad name through the acts of hoodlums who are taking law into their hands.

We appeal to our political leadership at the Centre and in the States to bring back the rule of law and order and to deal severely with miscreants that disparage the work of leaders who want to bring peace and development to our peoples. Those that have been “fringe elements” till now cannot be allowed to take centre stage. The Christian community has been hailed by political and social leaders across the board as “a peace-loving community” which works with every government at the centre and in the state to engage in Nation building. We will continue to do so. But it is time for our leadership to go beyond words and promises and to ensure that every Indian citizen lives without fear and with respect and dignity.

Mahatma Gandhi had warned us before Independence, “Violent means will give violent freedom. That would be a menace to the world and to India herself”. We have the power to build a peaceful, tolerant and prosperous India.

Let us show the will to do it.

God bless India. Jai Hind!

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India

VICE PRESIDENT APPLAUDS CHRISTIAN SHARE IN BUILDING NEW INDIA

New Delhi: Indian Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on December 12 commended Christians for their service to those on the periphery and share in building a new India.

“The Catholic community is peace-loving and it contributes immensely to nation building,” the vice president told a gathering that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) organized to launch Christmas celebrations in the national capital.

“I have been attending Christmas functions at different parts of India as part of my political and social activities. This is the first occasion as the vice president of India that I am participating in a Christmas celebration,” said Naidu, who assumed the second highest office in the country on August 11, this year.

The Vice President asserted “People all over the world irrespective caste, creed or nationality celebrate Christmas with great joy and gaiety,” the vice president, the chief guest of the program, told the gathering comprising religious, political and social leaders as well as diplomats and media persons. “Jesus is the Son of God. He brings Good news to all seasons, peoples, cultures and nations. His message is the message of peace. If there is tension, we cannot have attention to any activities of peace”, said Mr. Naidu

Stating that Christmas reminds us all to live up to the ideals and values preached and practiced by Jesus Christ, Mr Naidu said Christmas is the festival of love, joy and sharing. It is a time to renew our commitment to love and serve our families, communities and society; to be just and transparent in our dealings; to promote social and economic inclusion of all; to promote lasting peace between people of different religions and cultures and to promote sustainable development, he added.

The Vice-President said that every individual must revere his/her mother, mother tongue, birth place and motherland. Venkaiah Naidu said, “It is the duty of every Indian to preserve and protect our culture. Christian community, especially Catholics, work for people’s welfare. “They maintain best educational institutions in the country that create awareness about the need of education for the needy.”

Christians have opened thousands of dispensaries and hospitals in remote areas and collaborate with the central and state governments. “The Christian community as a whole is assiduously engaged in contributing their share in building a new India which is united and strong,” the vice president said and added that he has personally witnessed how Christian helped in social transformation through formal and non-formal education.

“Education is the most important tool for social transformation. It helps impart values compassion, morality and ethics,” the vice president told the gathering held at the Community Hall of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church that sits between two top Catholic schools in New Delhi – Columba’s and the Convent of Jesus and Mary.

The 68-year-old national leader urged Christians to continue their service with an added focus on the marginalized sections of society. Christmas, the festival of love and joy caring and sharing, is time to renew commitment to serve family, community and society, work for social and economic inclusion of all, and promote lasting peace, he added.

The Christmas message of peace is relevant in these days when people misuse religion. “If you have tension, there cannot be any progress,” the Vice President said. He also asserted that no religion preaches hatred or violence. “Religion has nothing to do with terror. Terror is the enemy of humanity,” he said.

The Vice President also urged the gathering to distinguish between religion and culture. “Let me once again clarify that religion is personal, while culture is a way of life”, he added. Religion, he explained, is worship and personal, whereas culture is a way of life where people love, share and take care of each other. Explaining further, he said, “Suppose you have a chapatti. If you eat the chapatti, it is prakriti (nature), if you snatch a chapatti from another it is vikriti (deviation) and if you share your share with another it is sanskriti (culture).”

He wants every individual to respect, preserve and protect our culture and use the Christmas season to correct “our deviations if any” and spread the message of love through action. He wants the government, enlightened people, communities and their leaders to help the suppressed and the oppressed come up in life to realize Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of “antiodaya” (rise of the last person).

CBCI president, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, while felicitating the Vice President, reiterated the Catholic community’s commitment to the welfare of the country and its people. “We offer our best wishes, prayerful support, deep commitment even through martyrdom to take the nation to its height of glory,” said the cardinal who hailed the Vice President as “a close friend” of every community in the country.

The 58-year-old cardinal, who also heads the Syro-Malankara Church, said the Christian community is in India to give its service to the poorest of the poor.

“The Church in India is at the service of the nation. People in the periphery need the Lord’s assurance,” he added.

He urged the government to take necessary steps to bring peace and progress to every citizen going beyond manmade boundaries. The head of the Indian Catholics reminds his countrymen that it is up to them to assure the world that diversity is not an obstacle, but the beauty of divine life.”

The cardinal also used the occasion to request the vice president to press the government to declare the recent Ockhi cyclone as a national disaster. The cardinal, who comes from Thiruvananthapuram, one of the worst affected by the November 30 cyclone, noted thousands of fishermen in southern coastal region have lost everything “except their faith in God.”

He stressed the need for satisfying, stable and long-term plan to rehabilitate the affected families. The Cardinal later told journalists that the Vice President promised to take up the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The prelate said he has visited the affected areas twice and that the Church plans various ways to help the families.

Bishop Lumen Monteiro, Bishop of Agartala prayed that the Celebration of Christmas may enhance peace, joy and love in the world. Bishop Mar Barnabas of Gurgaon welcomed the guests. Bishop Jacob Barnabas in his welcome speech reminded that Christmas gives us the message of peace and Harmony.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, the Secretary General of CBCI, the chief organizer of the event expressed happiness that so many Ambassadors, Members of Parliament and Spiritual leaders from various Faiths had attended. Bishop Mascarenhas spoke of Christmas as the feast that brings all peoples, cultures and faiths together.

The Catholic Church in India runs over a mammoth 25000 schools and Colleges and looks after 85,000 beds in catholic run hospitals across the country, several of them in the remote locations. It also takes pride in more than 5000 registered NGOs catering to the basic needs of over 5 million poor and marginalized people annually.

The Children of Convent of Jesus and Mary School, Delhi created the spirit of Christmas through the singing of beautiful Christmas carols. Representatives from over 25 embassies along with members of the Apostolic Nunciature attended the function.

Today, 12th December 2017 the Honorable Vice-President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu, will be the Chief Guest at Christmas gathering organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. The function will be held at 5 p.m. in the Diocesan Community Centre, Sacred Heart Cathedral Compound, New Delhi. The Christmas gathering will be attended by Bishops, Judges, Ambassadors, Members of Parliament and other high dignitaries, Fathers, Sisters and friends and benefactors. Please pray for the Success of the Program.

SEMINAR ON COMMUNICATION and Social media

‘To be’ is to ‘to communicate’. The success of an individual is scaled by the effectiveness of that person’s communication skills. From womb to tomb, humans are engaged in the web of communication. With the dawn of modern technology, communication skills have become synonyms to civilization.

The seminar on Communication and Social Media on 4 & 5th of December, 2017 at SDC Ranchi indeed was a blessing to all of us who attended it. Mr. Kushal Neogy, from Catholic Relief Services was the resource person for the program. This seminar was organized by Regional Bishops’ Conference of JHAAN with special assistance from His Lordship Theodore Mascarenhas Sfx, the Secretary General of CBCI, Delhi.

The day began with the inaugural ceremony by His Lordship Telesphore Bilung, SVD, the Secretary of JHAAN, Regional Bishops’ Conference and the auxiliary bishop of Ranchi. He thanked CRS for their generous support towards the Church in Jharkhand. He said that the purpose of this seminar is to equip the Church personnel with effective use of Modern tools of Communication to proclaim the Word of God and to be effective communicators.

His Lordship Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas’s presence among the participants on the second day and his words of encouragement and appreciation indeed was a boost to all the participants.

25 Selected candidates from all over Jharkhand participated in this pilot seminar. Mr. Kushal, from his vast experience in the field of Modern Communication and journalism kept the participants on their toes. He spoke elaborately on the use of modern media and explained in detail the complexities and nuances of World Wide Web in Communication and helped the participants to familiarize with social communication tools like, E-mail, Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, Pinterst, etc.,. He also cautioned us about the vulnerability of individual while choosing the medium of Modern Communication.

The participants expressed great satisfaction about the seminar and assured better use of modern technology. As it is just a piolet project, we look forward for many more seminars and workshops on Communication from CRS. We place on record our sincere thanks to Mr. Kushal and CRS for helping JHAAN RBC to organize such a seminar. (Fr. Valerian Lobo )

Explaining the encyclical of Blessed Pope Paul VI, Populorum Progressio ( on Development of People) Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, Secretary General Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India stated the need to have solidarity with poor people and specially the poor workers of our country. He exhorted the Church’s ardent desire to put in place in our country a decent work culture where all the people irrespective of caste and creed colour and culture, rich and poor equally contribute the creation of a Just India.

Mrs. Annie Raja of National Federation of India Women in her address to the Conference on the topic Gender Violence of Development stated the wrong tendencies in our country to cover the violence against women under the curtain of sexual violence. Denials of nutrition, education, menstrual hygiene etc., are all violence against women. It is highly abominable that the GST is even charged for the sanitary napkin of women and girls. Mr. George Kurian, Vice Chairman National Minority Commission spoke on the rights of minorities in India. Dr. Suresh Mathew, Chief Editor, Indian Currents discussed the topic ‘Widening Social and Economic Disparities, Implication for workers in India’. Mr. J. John, Former Executive Director Centre for Education & Communication explained the topic, ‘Labour law reforms in India - Implications on the unorganised workers’. Dr. Denzil Fernandes SJ, Executive Director ISI, Delhi spoke on Advocacy and Lobbying for the Protection of Labour Rights. A panel discussion also held on Caring for Migrants, involvement of CBCI Office for Labour /WIF. Dr. Lata Raj spoke on the Study on Tribal Migrant Construction Workers in Delhi, and Mr. Jose Abraham, Advocate Supreme Court, President Pravasi Legal Aid Cell on Legislations related to Migrant Worker. The meeting concluded on Sunday at 1.30 p.m.

71 delegates from five national movements affiliated to Workers India Federation (WIF) and 12 Labour Movements of the Regional Bishops’ Councils all over India attended the three days conference. The five national movements with the WIF are National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM), Christian Workers Movement (CWM), Young Christian Workers Movement (YCWM), Pastoral Care of Nomads in India (PACNI) and the Apostleship of Sea (AOS). The leading regional movements are Kerala Labour Movement (KLM), Tamil Nadu Labour Forum, Karnataka Labour Network, Andhra-Telangana Labour Network, Bihar Labour Forum etc. There are 81 workers facilitation centres promoted by Workers India Federation in different parts of the country

The three days conference on the Decent Work and Decent life urged the government India to ensure justice to the Ockhi Cyclone affected people and families in the coastal belts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. AGBM of also evaluated the recent events of demonetization of currencies and implementation of GST without appropriate and enough preparations have thrown the poor workers like farmers, agricultural labourers, construction workers, migrant workers, women daily wage workers into poverty and indebtedness. Therefore the government has to revive these sectors of employment through appropriate measures so that these poor workers will get back to their employment. It also felt that the Government has to rationalise the implementation of GST on the produce of local artisans, rural products and items and small scale entrepreneurs in the rural areas.

The Gathering also expressed concern on the restructuring of the labour laws of this country under four labour codes brought out by the present government. The labour law should protect the weaker sections in the labour market but ironically it calls the powerful to exercise authority over the weak.

The annual general body meeting also has come heavily upon the protection of 96 % of women workers who are in the unorganised sector. Action need to be taken to prevent violence against women in the process of development. It urged the government to bring legislations that protect the rights of the women workers in the unorganised sector. We need a comprehensive legislation for the domestic workers in the country. ILO Convention 189 needs to be ratified in the coming winter session of the parliament.

Fr. Jaison Vadassery

Director, WIF

Report on Golden Jubilee celebration

Bihar Water Development Society (BWDS), the official Relief and Development Agency of Patna Archdiocese celebrated its golden jubilee in all its grandeur on 6th Dec 2017 at Sewa Kendra Patna. It was inaugurated and blessed by His Grace Most Rev. William D’Souza SJ, Chief Guest Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX (General Secretary, CBCI, New Delhi, Most Rev. Sebastian Kallupura, Most Rev. Kurian Vallankandathil, Most. Rev. Cajetan Francis along with Fr. Paul Munjoly (Assistant Executive Director, Caritas India) and Mr. Kushal Neyogi (Sub Regional Director, Partnerships, CRS, South Asia).

The Archbishop William D’Souza S.J, was the main celebrant of the Holy Eucharist., along with the Bishops, and 40 Priests. More than 450 guests were present on this auspicious occasion. The celebration began with lighting of the lamp, welcome song by BWDS staff and release of the Golden Jubilee Souvenir of BWDS. Fr. Amal Raj, Director of BWDS warmly welcomed to all respectable guests and invitees.

The documentary Video of BWDS gave its Genesis and Progress. BiharWater Development Society(BWDS) came into existence in the year 14th December 1967 when Bihar was hit by a terrible famine. The acute shortage of water, the life giving fluid and total crop failure that threatened the lives of millions. Keeping these and other factors in view, Bihar Water Development Society came into existence to assist poor and marginal farmers, the starving poor families with food and other relief commodities. Also, more than 1500 surface wells and tube wells in the arid areas of Rohtas district were constructed. In succeeding years, BWDS continued in water development projects and food programme with support of CRS.

Over the years, BWDS has also taken up and implemented many more projects related to Education, healthcare, women empowerment, Agriculture Program and awareness on Panchayati Raj system. Also, livelihood Interventions, Vocational Training and Charity Work with Disaster Risk Reduction awareness and measures started and developed benefiting more than 3, 00,000 poor and Dalit families across 10 districts of Bihar. These achievements boosted BWDS to complete 50 years of credible Social development services.

The Chief Guest the Most Rev. Theodore Macarenhas, Secretary General of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, addressed the gathering with high appreciation of BWDS works and achievements of social development. He lauded that starting with water development and relief works; it is creditable that BWDS has served the disadvantageous society with a variety in children education, health and women empowerment with reaching wider sections. He believed and wished BWDS to continue the golden journey with its splendid social development service in larger interest of the country.

Archbishop William D’ Souza SJ, in his Presidential speech, explained the background of BWDS establishment with adorable initiatives and significant work done by founding Fathers. He elucidated that BWDS has touched all development sectors, specially the women and community empowerment through rights and livelihood interventions. The word ‘beyond’ in the Golden Jubilee logo is quiet motivating and shows the strength which BWDS has gathered to continue its unfinished service to the humanity. He thanked and congratulated all funding agencies for believing and assisting BWDS in its holistic social development work during its golden journey. Other dignitaries also shared their views and wished BWDS a very bright future ahead.

On this occasion the Chief Guest felicitated former Directors Rev. Bro. Bernard Singh SJ and Bishop Sebastian Kallupura, present Director Rev. Fr. Amal Raj and all Governing Body members. Also, Fr. Paul, the Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India and Mr. Kushal Niyogi of CRS were facilitated for the wonderful cooperation and assistance to BWDS for completing its vast humanitarian service to the poor and deprived people of Bihar.

Awards were given to longest and best serving and best performing staff at various levels. In cultural section, awareness songs and dances, personal experiences, street plays on social issues like ‘Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao’, etc. by our project staff and students of Supplementary Education Centers greatly entertained and appealed to the audiences.

The programme was concluded with Vote of Thanks by BWDS Secretary Rev Fr. Prem Prakash. He thanked all distinguished guests for coming and making the celebration memorable one. He also thanked all the staff and other members associated to this Golden Jubilee Program. He asserted that BWDS will continue its eternal service to humanity in the interest of the country and people of Bihar.

*****

The Ambassador of Panama Meets Apostolic Nuncio, CBCI Secretary General and Youth Council Secretary at Apostolic Nunciature

December 7, 2017

His Excellency Dr. Gilberto Llerena Garcia, Ambassador of Panama, met Most Rev. Giambattista Diquattro, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCI) and Fr. Deepak Thomas OCD, Secretary of CBCI Council for Youth along with Mr. Ernesto E. Cerrud, Deputy Chief of Mission and Political Counsellor. The very amiable meeting took place at the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi.

The meeting was held to discuss the modality and promotion of the forthcoming World Youth Day to be held in Panama in January 2019. Mr. Llerena Garcia explained the elaborate preparations that have begun in Panama and asked the support of the Catholic Church in India to promote the event in India. The Government of Panama is keen on a massive participation of Youth from India and is assuring us of packages and discount fares for the event. He has offered help and support to Church in India for encouraging participation from India. We had a very fruitful dialogue and His Excellency Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas promised the Embassy all the assistance on the part of the Catholic Church.

His Grace Most Rev. Giambattista Diquattro asked the CBCI Youth Council Secretary to start with the spiritual preparation of the youth and to individuate properly from the parish level itself the youth who are willing to take part in this World Youth Day. He also stressed that the event should be spiritual journey and may not just become tourism. The youth, who participate must really gain spiritual benefit from this world event.

Rev. Fr. James Raphael Anaparambil appointed as new Coadjutor Bishop of Alleppey.

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Your Eminence, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Fr. James Raphael Anaparambil, of the clergy of Alleppey, as new Coadjutor Bishop of Alleppey.

This provision was made public in Rome on Thursday, 7th December, 2017, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

Rev. Fr. James Anaparambil was born in Chellanam, Diocese of Alleppey, on 7th March, 1962. He completed his Seminary studies at the Major Seminary, Alwaye, and studied Biblical Theology in Rome at the Pontifical Urbanian University, where he obtained a Doctorate. He also holds a Masters in Judaism from the Pontifical Gregorian University. He was ordained priest for the Diocese of Alleppey on 17th December, 1986. He served the Diocese in the following ministries: Chaplain, St. Thomas Parish, Thumply (1986-1987); Prefect and Procurator, Sacred Heart Minor Seminary, Maithara, Alleppey (1989-1993); Diocesan Director of Vocations Centre (1989-1993); Professor of Biblical Theology and Hebrew, St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri (1998-2013); President of the Faculty of Theology & Philosophy, Alwaye (2003-2006); Rector, St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri (2009-2012); Vicar General for Clergy, Religious and Seminarians, Alleppey (2014-2016). Presently, he is in charge of the revision of the Malayalam translation of the Bible at Pastoral Orientation Centre, Ernakulam. He was also member of the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Alleppey.

We earnestly send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop-elect James Raphael Anaparambil and assure him of our prayers.

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

Solidarity with the suffering victims of Ockhi cyclone

Prot.1259/GenSec2017 (1-1-0/B&D) 4th December, 2017

Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency,

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India expresses its solidarity with the people of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep and assures its prayers for the Ockhi cyclone victims. We offer our condolences to the families of all those who have lost their lives and we wish to comfort those who have been afflicted by pain and suffering caused by the devastating hurricane in the past few days.

As of today around 26 persons are reported dead and over 150 fishermen are said to be missing. Over 560 houses are known to be totally damaged and more than 1,500 houses partially damaged. Approximately 10,000 people are evacuated. Caritas India, the Catholic Church’s wing of mercy is working along with the Government authorities to provide relief to the people.

At this time of grief, loss and suffering, the Catholic Church in India is close to the affected families. As a tangible sign of the Church’s solidarity with the afflicted communities, on behalf of our President, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, I request you to invite the faithful to pray during mass for the victims of the Ockhi cyclone on Sunday, 10th December, 2017. Likewise, those desiring to reach out to offer financial and other material support are encouraged to get in touch with the Dioceses of the coastal regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Assuring you of my prayers.

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

Empowerment of Dalit Christians in Odisha stressed

By Jugal Ranjit and Smita Nayak

This News is by courtesy of; http://mattersindia.com/2017/12/empowerment-of-dalit-christians-in-odisha-stressed/

Bhubaneswar: A state-level seminar on Dalit Christian Empowerment organized here on Dec 1 with twin objectives to address the Dalit concerns and promote their wellbeing in Odisha.

Father Manoj Kumar Nayak, secretary, Commission for Scheduled Caste and Backward Caste of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar archdiocese, one of the organisers, welcomed participants and dignitaries. Father Ajaya Kumar Singh explained the objectives of the seminar.

Dalit Christians in Odisha as a large section in the minorities, undergo caste-based discrimination, excluded and subjugated not only in the larger society but also within Christianity, in addition to the State. This abominable situation needs to be addressed for the DCs to gain their human dignity and space in all socio-economic domains, he said.

Jesuit Fr. Bosco, eminent Dalit Christian leader, former Jesuit Provincial of Andhra Pradesh Province, highlighted how Dalit Christians are ignored and oppressed mainly by the State through the promulgation of Presidential Order 150 para 3, which denies the status of Scheduled Caste to Dalit Christians by which they had to forgo the protection and privileges that have been available for Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist Dalits in the name of Scheduled Caste.

He gave a trajectory of events mainly from the year 2004 as a case has been filed in the Supreme Court. Despite the recommendations of Ranganath Mishra Commission (headed by Former Chief Justice of Supreme Court), the National Commission of Scheduled Caste, New Delhi and the implead petitions filed by Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, National Council of Churches in India, All India Catholic Union, and a few other organisations, the matter has been dragged both by United Progressive Alliance, a coalition of centre-left political parties led by Indian National Congress and National Democratic Alliance, a coalition of centre-right political parties led by Bharatiya Janata Party governments.

All the advocacy efforts and struggles promoted by Dalit Christian population of the entire country are deliberately sidelined by the Govt. He said that now Supreme Court has to constitute a Constitution Bench and that will decide the demand of Dalit Christians. He voiced that Dalit Christians should remain united and wins over this SC status for their socio, economic and political empowerment.

Fr. Xavier of Tamilnadu shared how DCLM (Dalit Christian Liberation Movement) in Tamil Nadu gained some benefits from the Church but in the course of time, it was diluted by the mushrooming of many movements which have been cunningly supported by the Church authorities by which the concerns of Dalit Christians are put at stake. He voiced that irrespective of all differences in the name of denominations and sub-castes. “Dalit Christians should remain as a force to gain our rights both in the Church and society,” he said.

Rev. Dr. Vincent Manoharan, Convener of National Dalit Christians Watch (NDCW), New Delhi highlighted how Dalit Christians are excluded by caste, which leads to undergo severe social restrictions, economic and political disabilities besides facing a range of crude forms of atrocities both within the larger society and mainly within the Church.

He gave references how Church hierarchy, Parishes/Congregations and Church based Institutions deny the legitimate space and rights of DCs although they form majority-60-70% of the total Christians. He voiced that perpetuation of this violence needs to be challenged by clear strategies and action plans of the DCs both at the State and National level to hold state and church accountable for all the deficiencies and discriminations that they face in the name of Caste which is against to Humanity and God.

Sr. Sneha Gill, Advocate and Member of Delhi Minority Commission, New Delhi listed out how the Dalit Christians need to approach the Government especially the Minority Commission to avail protection and also to avail the benefits that are in place for the minorities. She urged that Churches should proactively involve in helping the Dalit Christians mainly the students to avail beneficial measures that are stored in the commissions and also with the Govt which are difficult to be tapped by the poor and illiterate Dalit Christians.

After these inputs, the participants discussed and came out with the following recommendations: need to create awareness among grassroots especially youth; need for a movement to be promoted mainly by bringing people from Panchayat, Taluk, District and State levels; need to work out means to make our children get higher education;

Poverty and health situation of Dalit Christians need to be addressed by availing the schemes and programs of Govt mainly through PM’s 15 point programs; need to capacitate the DC youth to mobilize Dalit Christians at all levels and also to involve in Advocacy and Lobbying to ensure the rights and space of DCs both from the Church and State; priority to be given to DCs in all the existing programs and projects run by NGOs and Civil society organisations;

Unemployed youth needs to be provided with skill and leadership training;

Networking of all DC organisations needs to be done; Sensitization and challenging of State machinery and Church leaders need to be done through Advocacy, lobbying and also by struggle promotions;Need to demand for Odisha State Minority Commission;Need to urge Church to open up space for DCs families and students to get to know the existing programs and benefits that are available both in Govt and Church and to help them to avail the same;

Resources need to be raised for taking forward all these activities to ensure the results;

Babasaheb Ambedkar needs to be recognized as the Icon of DCs as a social and political leader to gain their rights while taking Christ our God and Liberator.

Based on these recommendations/Strategies, a State Core Team of NDCW was formed to take it forward.

This team resolved to meet shortly to work out action plans to carry forward. Manoharan, Fr. Ajay Kumar Singh and Gill assured of their guidance support to this Odisha chapter whenever they are called.

Fr. Singh prompted a core team to commit to larger interventions and struggles to empower Dalit Christians and to challenge all oppressive forces – State and Church- to gain dignity, equality and justice.

This seminar was jointly organised by OFSA (Odisha Forum for Social Action) and NDCW (National Dalit Christian Watch) to discuss the burning issues that the DCs face and to suggest the way forward to address the same.

By Purushottam Nayak

This News is by courtesy of; http://mattersindia.com/2017/12/kandhamal-christians-faith-deeply-moves-bishops-conference-officials/

Kandhamal: A Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India team that visited Kandhamal says the faith of Christians in the district of Odisha has inspired them immensely.

“You have gone through the misery because of your unfading faith. We are deeply moved and inspired by your model life and deep faith,” Bishop A Neethinathan of Chengalpet, chairman of the CBCI office for Scheduled Castes and Backward Castes, told the survivors of the 2008 anti-Christian violence in Kandhamal.

The bishop from Tamil Nadu, southern India, on November 28 led 28 priests and nuns from Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu associated with the CBCI office, to visit Kandhamal district the scene of the worst violence against Christians in modern era.

“You will be certainly rewarded by the Lord,” Bishop Neethinathan assured the Kandhamal Christians. He said his team members have personally witnessed what they had been hearing about the Kandhamal Christians’ unflinching faith in Christ.

Bishop Sarat Chandra Nayak of Berhampur led the Mass the team celebrated at Tiangia, a town in Kandhamal where a memorial pillar has been erected in memory of Christians who died during the violence.

“As long as the Lord is with us and we in Him none can do us any harm,” Bishop Nayak said in his homily quoting St. Paul’s letter to Romans. “Who will separate us from the Love of Christ?”

The survivors shared with the team their continued struggle.

“We are still not secured and we struggle without employment,” said Sarat Nayak. a survivor from Tiangia. “The 2008 violence calls us to deepen our faith and unity,” he added.

Anita Pradhan, a widow, said they still await the compensation announced by the Supreme Court on August 2, 2016. “We struggle for daily food and livelihood. We cannot go back to our village as we feel danger to our lives,” she told with tears in her eyes.

Father Manoj Nayak, a local priest who accompanied the team, said Christians cannot return to Betticola village once a flourishing Catholic center. The church and presbytery there were completely destroyed. A temple has been built at the site of an under construction convent,” he pointed out.

At present the villagers are resettled in Nandagiri (Shanti Nagar), about 15 km from Betticola.

The team also visited violence affected villages such as Bakingia and Raikia. They interacted and prayed with people in the newly built village church where faithful of all denominations joined.

At Raikia the team met with widows and Survivors Association members. They also met the wives of seven people who are in jail for almost 9 years for unfounded reasons.

Capuchin Father Anna Christopher from Trichy, one of the visitors, said the pilgrimage to Kandhamal was “a special experience” for him.

Franciscan Sister Alphonsa Gonzaga, another team member, said she felt “very sad” to see some demolished churches still remain in ruins even after nine years.

The CBCI team on November 29 attended a seminar on Dalit at Ishopanthi Ashram in Puri, a coastal town in Odisha.

Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, who led the opening Mass, noted that priests are becoming not only a messengers but the message.

Bishop Neethinathan, in his keynote address, stressed the need to follow Pope Francis’ call to show compassion to the marginalized and exploited. He also said priests and nuns should always be open to support the poor and downtrodden.

During the seminar, Sisters Alphonse from Tamilnadu and Goretti from Odisha and Father A J Bosco of Andhra Pradesh, Augustine Singh and Manoj Kumar Nayak of Odisha were given the Archbishop Oscar Romero Brilliant Star award for their significant contribution in bringing about the change in the lives of Dalits and poorer section of society.

Dalit empowerment – An ethical imperative for a just Odisha

By Matters India Reporter

Sambalpur: A three-day seminar on the theme ‘Dalit Empowerment-An Ethical Imperative for a Just Odisha’ was held by Khristo Jyoti College (KJC), Regional Commission for Clergy, Priests and Religious Odisha, with the association of Odisha Forum for Social Action (OFSA), Nov 27-29.

The objective of the seminar was to study and reflect the ‘Dalit Empowerment Policy (DEP) of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI)’ in the context of the status of Dalit Christians (DP) in Odisha and to evolve strategies and action plans to address the issues that are being faced by Dalit Christians.

This was widely attended by the Bishops, heads of religious orders, provincials, institution heads, priests and nuns, theologians, and students of KJC numbering 119.

Representatives from Scheduled Caste/Backward Class (SC/BC) Commission of CBCI, OROSA, NDCW and Jesuit-run Indian Social Institute, Bangalore were also invited as dignitaries and input providing resource persons.

Bishop Niranjan Sual Singh of Sambalpur inaugurated it. He said Church needs to discern the exclusion, dependency and disadvantage being faced by DCs both in society and Church. Both need to respond to restore dignity and justice to marginalized section.

While explaining the objective of the seminar, Divine Word Father Jesuraj Royappan, KJC principal expressed his that this seminar will provide significant recommendations to address the issue of Dalit Christians in Odisha.

Bishop Anthonisamy Neethinathan of Chingleput, chairman of SC/BC Commission of CBCI, elucidated a trajectory of events from 1844 to till date, which led to the formulation of the DEP and reminded of Vatican II statement that ‘joy and sorrow of people should be the joy and sorrow of the Church’ and also pointed out Holy Father's Continued voice ‘for the favor of the marginalized, who are at the fringes of the society.’

Fr. Devasahayaraj, Secretary SC/BC Commission of CBCI, while introducing the DEP, prompted the concepts of ‘imago dei, the Nazareth Manifesto, Love thy neighbor, Eucharist, Kingdom of God, New Heaven and New Earth and ‘All are one’ and urged the Church leaders to commit to treating DCs as equals.

Sr. Robancy of SC/BC Commission of CBCI, narrated how DEP was perceived, evolved and declared on the 31 October 2015.

Sr. Sister Anastasia Gill, a member of Delhi Minority Commission, quoting her own personal experience and highlighted that education is the core of the development of DCs and requested the Church not to discriminate DCs while providing admissions in its Institutions.

Father Selvaraj Arulnathan, director of ISI, Bangalore, gave a wider framework of action plans to address poverty, illiteracy and exclusion being faced by DCs, to provide them space in education, employment, formation and vocation- for ensuring benefit from the DEP.

Fr. Ajaya Kumar Singh, Director of OROSA voiced Church to continuously support the demand of DCs to get SC status which was rescinded by the Presidential Order 1950 Para 3.

Vincent Manoharan of NDCW urged the Church to offer proportionate space for DCs in all its positions -in hierarchy and institutions – while ensuring protection and restoring equality, dignity and justice in all matters and functions of Parishes.

While Jugal Ranjit, social worker, listed out the issues being faced by DCs in the Church in Odisha. He and others introduced the plight of PM’s 15 point programs that are available for the development of Minorities and urged the Church to take note and initiate measures to avail the same for DCs. The participants sat as 6 groups and came out with their recommendations to address the issue of DCS.

Finally, Vincent Manoharan gave a framework of major strategies for the realization of DEP which include – ‘Creation of a Data back on the status of DCs, documenting their issues, capacitation of youth, organizing Fact Findings during the time of massive discrimination unleashed on DCs, involving in Advocacy and Lobbying, promoting a strong DC lay movement, networking with other DC movements, organizing struggles and accessing justice from the Church, State, UN and European Union through engaging with them’.

On the final day, Bishops, Mother General, Provincials and Institutional Heads attended the seminar. After listening to the recapitalization of what had happened on the past two days, the Church leaders came out with the following affirmation: They are fully aware of the status of DCs in the Church and also realized the need for providing immediate attention for their socio-economic empowerment. Although they don’t have a policy so far exclusively for the benefit of DCs, they commit to giving priority and space for DCs in all their institutions and programs. DEP will be translated into Oriya within a short time and shared at the parish level especially with the institutions. Diocesan level Dalit Policy will also be evolved to address the issue of DCs; Databank will be created on the status of DCs;

DC children and students will be given priority in – school admissions, special coaching, career building coaching, English learning/speaking and also availing public scholarship and other assistance. Dropout DCs will be given leadership and skill training. Psychological and spiritual counselling will be given to DC students. From the level of formation, vocation and seminaries DCs will get special attention and avail due space;

Diocesan Level Team will be promoted to meet Church leaders and also the State for ensuring the empowerment of DCs.

Every each, five Dalit bright students will be identified and they will be given free education;

two priests will be specially assigned to take forward the cause of DCs at all levels of Church and also to help DC students for making online applications to avail the benefit of the Government.

Insights on B.R. Ambedkar would be oriented to DC students through seminar and special events: to try to introduce Entrepreneurship trainings for the economic empowerment of DCs; try to avail the benefits out of SCP/TSP (for Tribals) and try to build unity between Dalits and Tribals, monitor the realization of the above Affirmation, a Monitoring Committee was initiated with the following Members:

Both the Bishops declared as their final words that they were happy that this seminar paved way for initiating a number of action plans for the empowerment of Dalits (and Tribals), the most affected marginalized communities in Odisha. They called that both these communities should come and live together and also strive together to regain their dignity and human personality. Dalits who suffer caste-based discrimination will be in priority in accessing socio-economic empowerment within Church and its domains. It is not a choice of the Church but it is a mandate and responsibility. They will carry the insights of Christ who was with the disadvantaged and the marginalized. They both vowed to work together along with all those who are called to commit for the deprived ones.

The Principal while thanking all expressed his satisfaction that this seminar fulfilled its objectives and also it evolved an action plan with the formation of a monitoring committee. This is the major contribution of KJC and also it has provided an insight to its students to commit for the cause of Dalits and Tribals for whom they are called to serve which is their vocation.

November 25, 2017 is the date to be written in the golden letters in the history of the CBCI Council for youth. It is the day the long cherished and awaited dream of having a youth village in Padrithana, Buttibori, Nagpur, Maharashtra India was actualized by laying the foundation stones for three projects. This village will cater to build the skills, train, empower and prepare tomorrow's leaders today.

The foundation stones were laid by Rev. Dr. Abraham Viruthakukangra, Archbishop of Nagpur for Animation Centre, Rev. Dr. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, CBCI General Secretary for Boys and Girls Hostels and Rev. Bishop Henry D'Souza for the Administrative Block. Very conspicuously present for the occasion were the former CBCI Council for Youth Executive Secretaries Rev. Fr. Alwyn D'Souza, and Rev. Fr. Franklin D'Souza and the Present CBCI Council for Youth Secretary Rev. Fr. Deepak Thomas KJ OC. Rev. Fr. Alexander Yesudasan, Regional Secretary for Youth Commission of MP Region, Priests from the Archdiocese of Nagpur, and various men and women religious congregations in around the Yuvagram, Ms. Neelima Lakra ICYM National Vice President I and Mr. Leon Pereira ICYM National Vice President II, Mr. Jose Jacob from Bangalore (Enterprenuer) and Friends of ICYM and Alumni attended this historical event.

Archbishop Abraham officiated the foundation laying ceremony together with the other two bishops. After the liturgical celebrations he unveiled the foundation stone inscription. Later on addressing the gathering Most. Rev. Henry D'Souza said that this center will be for rural and marginalized youth to realize their dreams. He said through this center we plant seeds fruits from which will come later. Bishop Theodore in his address thanked the Archbishop for his generous contribution of land to the youth of India and said that according to him a dynamic movement has been started which with time and circumstances will develop for the future keeping in mind the changing needs of our society and our youth. He made a request that this venture should help the poor, the marginalized and those who do not get opportunities else were to get the first preference. Rev. Abraham appreciated Bishop Theodore for his presence and the support for this project and also reechoed the message of Bishop Theodore that this center should work for the poor and marginalized youth of India. The program ended with Mr. Leon Pereira, ICYM Vice President II proposing the Vote of Thanks.

VICE-PRESIDENT OF INDIA CHIEF GUEST AT THE CHRISTMAS GATHERING OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF INDIA

The Vice-President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu, has agreed to be the Chief Guest at the Christmas gathering organised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India to be held at Diocesan Community Centre, Sacred Heart Cathedral Compound, New Delhi, on 12th December, 2017, at 5.00 p.m.

He accepted the invitation of Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX, Secretary General of the CBCI, when the later met him along with Fr. Joseph Manipadam, SDB and Fr. Anand David Xalxo, on 24th November, 2017.

This function during which Christmas greetings and wishes for the New Year will be exchanged, will be attended by Bishops, Judges, Members of Parliament and other high dignitaries, Fathers, Sisters and friends and benefactors.

A short news report of CCI General Body Meeting

Catholic Council of India (CCI)

The 14th General Body Meeting of the Catholic Council of India was held at St. John’s National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, from the 17th to the 19th November 2017. The General Body Meeting was attended by 178 delegates including 2 Cardinals, 8 Bishops, 18 Priests and 3 Religious Sisters from 53 Dioceses of India with the Theme of the General Body Meeting “United in Diversity for a Mission of Mercy and Witness”.

The theme was introduced by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, President CBCI and CCI. His Eminence Baselios Cardinal Cleemis highlighted that the CCI is not just the Pastoral Council of the Catholic Church India but it is the whole Catholic Church in Council (Acts 15) and invited the participants to prayerfully reflect and propose suggestions for the forthcoming Plenary Assembly of Bishops who will reflect on the same theme. The theme, was further developed and placed` in the context of the present day challenges by His Eminence George Cardinal Alencherry who presided over the inaugural function and emphasised that the Church was both missionary and pastoral and has always been involved in eradicating poverty and empowering people through education and healthcare. Archbishop Bernard Moras further welcomed the CCI delegates and invited all to experience the rich cultural heritage and the rich religious and spiritual wealth of Bangalore. His Grace invited everyone to heed to the clarion call of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, to love the poor, not just in words but in deeds as the Church celebrates the First Universal Celebration of the World Day of the poor.

HIGHLIGHTS: The Key-note address by Mr. Jacob Punnoose (IPS Retd.) Formerly DGP and State Police Chief, Kerala stated that Diversity is the reality of India, Unity its magic. The optimistic acceptance of united pluralism led to the Idea of India. This diversity has been successfully sustained by democratic Governance from the Panchayat to the Parliament. The Church in India today is called upon to make a Christ-like response to address the diverse problems so that those who guide the nation are helped to preserve the unity of the country to ensure dignity, justice, peace, progress and prosperity to half a billion of the world’s poorest who are our fellow citizens. Our democracy is based on the trust and expectation that the majority group will allow the minority group to exercise their rights to the full, through mutual acceptance of differences. Vigilantism, attitude of ‘mine’ and ‘thine’, contempt of the minority as less Indian, terrorism that hijacks religions and the fury of fanaticism must be rejected. The sessions by Bishop Dabre, Bishop of Pune, the Panel Discussion and the workshop, covered the theme with its challenges confronted, action plan, Social reach out, Christian witnessing of Mercy, evangelisation thrust and the strategy to reorient the Catholic ministry. The final statement released after three days of consultation and debate asked the Christiansto become the instruments of change as individuals and to Be Good Samaritans by loving, sharing and caring unconditionally, reflecting the early Christian community being unselfish. The community must fearlessly practice, proclaim and propagate the word of God. The Final Statement of the 14th GBM will be placed before the President of CBCI and very soon sent to all the dioceses in India.

The 14th GBM of CCI elected two prominent and dynamic Catholic Leaders of the city, Bangalore, as its Vice President: namely, Dr. Antose Antoney and Mrs. Clara Fernandes. Another eminent figure of the city, Mr. P. K Cherian was elected as its Treasurer. Rev Fr. A E Raju Alex from the Archdiocese of Hyderabad was re-elected as its Secretary.

- Fr. Aloysius Ephrem Raju Alex

THE DIOCESE OF INDORE CELEBRATES WORLD DAY OF THE POOR

Fr. Thomas and Fr.Martin with the parish council members visited lepers in doctor's colony and provided them lunch (dal, bafle, ladoos and fruits) on 19/11/2017. The members of the colony were very happy with this deed of charity.

GIRIDEEPAM, THE SYRO-MALANKARA MINOR SEMINARY IN GURGAON CELEBRATES SEMINARY DAY

GIRIDEEPAM the Minor Seminary of the Gurgaon Diocese of the Syro-Malankara Sui Juris Church celebrated its Seminary Day on 16th November 2017. Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX the Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India was the Chief Guest at the occasion. In his address he reminded that our Call comes from God and we respond to him. The mission entrusted to us is to love God and to carry this love and the Gospel to others. He emphasized on the need for the reading habit as reading opens up the mind and the heart.

Mar Jacob Barnabas, the Bishop of Gurgaon thanked Bishop Theodore for his closeness to the Syro-Malankara Church and the support and encouragement he always gave. Fr. Aji the Rector of Seminary thanked all those who help the Seminary. The young seminarians put up a beautiful skit depicting the vocation and sacrificial vocation of the priest.

The AMBASSADOR OF PANAMA VISITS THE CBCI

The Ambassador of Panama, His Excellency Dr. Gilberto Llerena Garcia, visited the CBCI Headquarters and had a one to.one meeting with Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, the Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India on 16th November, 2017.

The Ambassador discussed with the Secretary General the preparations for the World Youth Day to be celebrated in Panama in 2019. He encouraged massive participation from India and promised all help to facilitate participation of well-meaning Indian Youth to the event.

The opening ceremony of the 2nd national conference of “Engage Disability India 2017”, in Chennai

Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, the Secretary General of CBCI participated in the opening ceremony of the 2nd national conference of “Engage Disability India 2017”, in Chennai on 14th November at LITE Auditorium, Chennai. It was indeed a powerful ecumenical gesture. Also, strengthening the networking of Churches to reach the persons with disabilities - witnessing His mercy. The movement tries to bring together like-minded people and organizations who have a heart for disability, to develop strategies for ministry alongside those with disabilities in the church, and to equip church leadership and laity for disability inclusion.

The Conference was attended by over 500 delegates from all over the country and abroad belonging to various Christian denominations. The Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) was represented by 53 delegates from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Bishop Theodore was invited as one of the inaugural speakers along with Rt. Rev. Dr. George Stephen, the bishop of CSI Diocese of Madras and Rev. Roger Gaikwad, General Secretary of NCCI.

Bishop George Stephen of the CSI Diocese of Madras exhorted the participants that the context of disability calls us to overcome hostility and insensitivity towards the persons with disabilities (PwDs); to learn, understand and affirm the image of God in them; affirm equal rights, respect and dignity of all persons. Rev. Roger Gaikwad emphasized that Disability Inclusion focuses on accessibility (functional, attitudinal and information – communication technology barriers), theological discourse (engaging, promoting and building body of knowledge on Indian disability theological discourse but through grassroots engagement) and networking.

Bishop Theodore reiterated that the Christian Church is the leader in engaging disability in India. He highlighted the need of all Churches marching together in favour of the poor, the underprivileged and those deprived sections, including the persons with disabilities. He reminded the participants that the real disabled is the one who does not have compassion in his/her heart. In this respect, ‘being disabled’ is not being able to see, not being able to hear, not being able to walk. The real disability is not having compassion, that we do not have mercy, that we do not have time and love for the feeling for the other. We have to admit that the Church is not doing much for the persons with the disabilities. We the Church should be at their side. Jesus was among the deaf, dump and crippled but instilling hope among them. The Churches together as a community need to be with them, instilling the hope and courage for them to move forward. There are prime examples in front of us, like Helen Keller, who in spite of their disabilities done the marvellous, perhaps than anyone - the so called ‘abled’. To accomplish this and to take the ‘Engage Disability’ movement forward, we need much better networking among us the Churches. Much more than talking, we must be able to work together. Together we must be able to mobilize support from and complement the works of the Govt. for the persons with disabilities.

REPORT OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE DEPUTY SECRETARIES OF THE REGIONAL BISHOPS’ COUNCILS, SECRETARIES OF THE CBCI OFFICES / COUNCILS, CORE TEAM AND RESIDENT PRIESTS AT THE CBCI CENTRE

The joint meeting of the deputy secretaries of the Regional Bishops’ Councils secretaries of the CBCI offices / councils, Core Team and Resident Priests was held at the CBCI Centre, New Delhi on 6th and 7th November 2017. His Excellency Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, Secretary General of the CBCI welcomed all present for the meeting, especially His Eminence Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, the CBCI President, His Grace Mar Andrews Thazhath, Vice President I of CBCI and His Grace Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao, Vice President II of CBCI. In his inaugural address, His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, the CBCI President emphasized the need for the Church to be strengthened in the present situation of our beloved country. He particularly reemphasized the message of the Holy Father Pope Francis to the Church to continue to pray and to evangelize. Praying and Evangelizing are the two most important dimensions of the Church.

The whole meeting and consultation were an annual exercise of the CBCI. Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, CBCI Secretary General constantly emphasized the need of proper networking among the various units of the Church and effective communication. Deputy Secretaries of the fourteen Regional Bishops’ Councils also participated in the meeting and presented the reports of each regional Bishops’ Councils. All the regional reports in fact reflected very strongly the diversities of not only culture, language and approach, but also diversity of the problems and challenges facing the Church in India today. In the midst of the kaleidoscope of the diversity, what outshined are the richness, and the zealous and enthusiastic efforts being taken by the Church and the Church personnel at different levels and different corners of the country. Certainly there are areas of concern and areas that need to be improved.

This time, the consultation had also another added purpose to prepare the entire CBCI for the forthcoming Plenary so effectively that the CBCI remains an effective catalyst not only for the Church in India, but also for the society at large and the people of this country. The Church in India recognizes its responsibility towards her beloved country, especially to every citizen who needs more than ever everything that is required of him / her to live a life in human dignity, mutual respect and freedom that the Indian Constitution guarantees.

His Grace Mar Andrews Thazhath and His Grace Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao effectively guided the discussions and put in also valuable suggestions while appreciating all participants for their positive contributions. His Excellency Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, CBCI Secretary General led the consultation to its logical conclusions. At the end, Msgr. S. Jayanathan, the Deputy Secretary of Karnataka region thanked His Eminence Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, CBCI President, His Grace Mar Andrews Thazhath, Vice President I of CBCI, His Grace Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao, Vice President II of CBCI and His Excellency Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, CBCI Secretary General for organizing very efficiently and effectively the entire meeting. He also thanked Msgr. Joseph Chinnayyan, the Deputy Secretary General and Rev. Fr. David, the Secretary to the Secretary General for their support and concern in organizing the said meeting.

Reported by: Fr. John Ponnore

Death and Funeral of Most Rev. Dr. S. Michael Augustine Archbishop Emeritus of Pondicherry and Cuddalore

7th November 2017

From September 17, 2017, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. S. Michael Augustine was taking treatment for the failure of his lungs. The oxygen in-take was very little and the carbon inside the lungs was more. Doctor Michael Anand admitted him at the MVR Hospital, Pondicherry and treated him. Then His Grace became better and was brought to the Archbishop's House on 30th September 2017. On October 1st he became serious and was readmitted in MVR hospital. After a few days at MVR hospital his health Condition again deteriorated and the machine Could not function properly and so he was immediately shifted to Be-well hospital and the treatment Continued. 5 dialysis were done to reduce the urea level. He was improving and on October 21, 2017 he was discharged and brought to the bishop's house. He was looked after by Dr. Michael Anand with the help of medical staff. On 1st November 2017, when his nephew Fr. R. Josephraj offered the mass in his room, His Grace, the Archbishop Emeritus received the Holy Communion. On the 3rd November night His Grace was quietly sleeping longer. On the 4th November at 07.00 a.m., when the Procurator Fr. Gregory saw His Grace, his pulse rate was slowly coming down. So, with the help of Dr. Michael Anand, again His Grace S. Michael Augustine was shifted to the BeWell Hospital. There the doctors on examining His Grace the Archbishop Emeritus said that his Condition Was very Critical. So, immediately our Archbishop Dr. A. Anandarayar rushed to the hospital and prayed for him. When our Archbishop finished the prayer, the cardiac and pulse monitor showed that His Grace Michael Augustine was dead.

Then his body was taken to the PIMS Medical College Hospital for embalming. And then his body was taken to the Keezhputhupattu Holy Family Church, where he has stayed for the past 13 years, after his retirement on 05-07-2004.There, the Vicar General Mgr. A. Arulanandam along with a few Fathers offered the Mass for the eternal rest of the late Archbishop Emeritus.At 02.30 p.m. the Body was brought to the Archbishop's House and was blessed by Our Archbishop. Then prayers were offered for his eternal rest. At 06.30 p.m. the body was shifted to the Escande Hall of the Petit Seminaire Hr. Sec. School, Pondicherry. A lot of Priests, Sisters and the people came and kept flower wreaths and prayed for the eternal rest of the late Archbishop Emeritus, on Saturday and throughout Sunday. On the 5th November 2017, Sunday, our Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. A. Anandarayar offered the mass at 10.00 a.m. along with 10 priests around the body of the late Archbishop Emeritus for his eternal rest. Then at 11.45 a.m. Rt. Rev. Peter Abir, the Bishop of Sultanpet offered the Holy Mass along with 7 priests around the body of the late Archbishop S. Michael Augustine. At 4.30 p.m. again holy mass was celebrated by the priests of our diocese and people were praying Continuously. At 10.15 p.m. Emeritus bishop of Kottar diocese Most. Rev. P. Remigius offered mass and paid his homage. Throughout the two nights priests, sisters, relatives and lay people kept vigil and prayed. On 6th November, 2017 at 9.00 a.m. Mr. Narayanasamy, the Chief Minister of Pondicherry and Namachivayam M.L.A., John Kumar, the Delhi representative and others came and kept Wreaths. On 06-11-2017 Monday morning at 09.45 a.m., Most Rev. Dr. P. Yvon Ambroise, the Bishop of Tuticorin blessed the body of the late Archbishop. Then his body was taken in procession in a Well deCOrated Car to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. 15 Archbishops and Bishops, about 300 priests, a great number of religious and thousands of faithful participated in the funeral procession. At 10.20 a.m. the funeral procession reached the Cathedral. Our Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. A. Anandarayar offered the funeral Mass at our Immaculate Conception Cathedral, along with 15 Bishops of Tamil Nadu and about 300 priests of Pondicherry, Chennai, Chingelput, Vellore, Salem, Tanjore, Kumbakonam and Bangalore dioceses. There were about 3000 people present for the funeral mass. Mgr. Arulanandam, the Vicar General welcomed the faithful. Most Rev. S. Singaroyan, Bishop of Salem preached the Homily and said that the late Archbishop Emeritus lived according to his Episcopal Motto: FIAT, although it was difficult. At the end of the Mass Most Rev. Antony Pappusamy, the President of the TNBC spoke about the greatness of the late Archbishop Emeritus. Then Rt. Rev. Soundaraj, Bishop of Vellore spoke about the achievements of the late Archbishop Emeritus when he worked as the Bishop of Vellore for 11 years.

His love for the poor was great and he had encouraged local vocations. Then the Vicar General of Madras and Mylapore Mgr. Anthonisamy praised and thanked the late Archbishop Emeritus for his Commitment and dedication when he was the Auxiliary Bishop of Madras and Mylapore for 3 years and He worked tirelessly for the welfare of the clergy, the Religious and the faithful. Then Fr. Dr. Rayappan acknowledged and thanked the late Archbishop Emeritus for his dedicated Teaching at St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore, where he had served as Professor, Vice Rector and Rector. It was during his tenure as the Rector, St. Peter's was elevated as a Pontifical Institute. Then Sr. Susila, FSAG, President of the CRI thanked the late Archbishop Emeritus for his encouragement to the Consecrated men and Women Religious of Pondicherry. Then Fr. A. J. Philomindoss, the Director of the Pastoral Centre, who had been Coordinating the entire funeral service, read out the Condolence messages. We also thank His Holiness Pope Francis for the following Condolence message sent from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, through Archbishop Giambattista Diquattro, Apostolic Nuncio, New Delhi. His

Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the death of Archbishop Michael Augustine, and he sends his prayerful Condolences to you and to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore. The Holy Father gives thanks for the late Prelates many years of devoted priestly and episcopal ministry, and he commends his Soul to the mercy of Almighty God. As a pledge of Consolation in the Risen Christ. His Holiness imparts his Apostolic Blessing to all those Who mourn archbishop Augustine’s passing".

Then our Archbishop Most. Rev. Dr. A. Anandarayar spoke about the dedicated Service and the Wonderful personality of the Late Archbishop S. Michael Augustine. Then Fr. R. Joseph Raj, the nephew of the late Archbishop Emeritus, on behalf of his family thanked for the entire funeral service, so very well organized and for Lourdes TV which telecasted LIVE" the funeral service. Then A.M. Chinnappa, Archbishop Emeritus of Madras and Mylapore sang the Liberame and blessed the body in the Cathedral. Then the body was taken to the adjacent graveyard. There Fr. A.J.C Lawrence, the late Archbishop's another nephew blessed the body and said the final prayer of Commendation. Around 2.p.m. the body of the late Archbishop Emeritus Most. Rev. Dr. S. Michael Augustine was laid to rest in the graveyard of the Bishops and priests near the Cathedral.

May His Soul Rest in Peace

With prayers and wishes

Yours in Christ

Most Rev. Dr. A. Anandarayar Archbishop of Pondicherry & Cuddalore

CLHRC observes 125th Death Anniversary of Lievens

Mandar. 7th November 2017. The 125th Death Anniversary of Father Constant Lievens (1856-1893) was observed today at Constant Lievens’ Hospital and Research Centre (CLHRC), Mandar. Hailed as the “Apostle of Chotanagpur”, he died in Belgium on at the age of 37.

At a solemn commemorative Holy Mass this evening at the Hospital premises, His Eminence, Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo stated that CLHRC will certainly take effect as it is a work of God. While admitting the challenges being faced regarding human and material resources, he reiterated that as divine plan, the project is set to materialize. His Eminence also underlined the Church’s commitment to bring modern health services to the needy at affordable cost, regardless of their socio-economic conditions.

Young trainee nurses sang beautifully at the Liturgy and performed well choreographed dance items at the ensuing felicitation. Fr. George, Director of CLHRC, welcomed the dignitaries, while Fr. Sijo Kunnel raised the vote of thanks. The hospital campus was suitably cleaned and decorated with flickering lights. A festive dinner brought the event to conclusion.

It may be recalled that the mortal remains of Father Constant Lievens were brought in Chotanagpur on 31th October 1993. Before enshrining the same in the Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral, Ranchi on 7th November, solemn processions were held at various locations he had rendered service in the last 5 years of his life. The shrine continues to draw numerous devotees, who seek intercession of the great messenger of the Gospel. In the same year, the Bishop of Brugg, native diocese of Father Lievens in Belgium, declared the latter a “Servant of God”. On 13th July 2014, the dossier regarding Blessedness of Father Lievens was submitted to the Holy See for scrutiny.

CBCI Secretary General Urges North East Youth to Believe in Themselves

Tura (CBCI News) The Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas urged the people to appreciate the gift of faith and celebrate God’s love with thanksgiving in their hearts. Christian message of forgiveness and love for others can be a wonderful testimony to the people of other faiths in this vast country, he said. Bishop Mascarenhas was speaking during the Mass on November 12, Sunday at the newly built Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Tura, Meghalaya. He said the already magnificent shrine will be more beautiful if it is filled with people praying to the Sacred Heart to bless the town, the diocese and the country. Reminding packed devotees that God is love, he said that we need to be grateful to God for his immense love for us. All of us need to be like the one Samaritan cleansed leper who came and to thank Jesus for the healing he received. It would be regrettable if we are like the nine lepers who never came back to show gratitude to Jesus even after receiving such the unthinkable miracle of being cleansed from the then incurable leprosy. He also revealed that he was taken up by the devotion of the people during the spiritual celebration. Bishop Andrew R. Marak and several priests concelebrated in the Mass on the occasion of the annual Thanksgiving Day. The Secretary General, who heads the CBCI secretariat in New Delhi, was making his first visit to the diocese of Tura. He thanked Bishop Andrew, the priests, clergy and faithful for their warm welcome and hospitality.

After the Mass the Bishop together with Member of Parliament from Tura, Shri Conrad K Sangma, held an interactive session with the youth. The MP urged the youth to have clear goals in life and strive hard to achieve success. Bishop Mascarenhas said: “I love the tribals, their culture and way of life and I want the tribal people of India to make great progress”. He exhorted the youth to believe in themselves and be willing to work hard in order to achieve their goals because tribals are second to none. He also noted that the church in Northeast has contributed much to the region especially in education, health care and overall development. The Bishop offered to assist youth of the region who move to other parts of the country for work or study. The CBCI is keenly interested in rendering pastoral care to the Catholic youth of Northeast India through the dioceses and parishes across the country, he said. The program included several dances and songs showcasing the beauty of the Garo tribal culture.

Fr Albert Thyrniang sdb

CBCI COUNCIL FOR WOMEN INTER RITUAL CATHOLIC WOMEN’S MEET

CBCI COUNCIL FOR WOMEN

INTER RITUAL CATHOLIC WOMEN’S MEET

11th November 2017

CONVENT OF JESUS AND MARY SCHOOL, GOLE DAK KHANA, DELHI

THEME - WOMEN: HERALDS OF BASIC EQUALITY

The CBCI Council for Women and the three Dioceses of Delhi-NCR jointly organized an Inter-Ritual Catholic Women’s Meet on the 11th of November 2017, at Convent of Jesus and Mary School, New Delhi.

The program was graced by His Excellency Theodore Mascarenhas, CBCI Secretary General, His Excellency Jacob Mar Barnabas, Bishop of Gurugram & Chairperson of CBCI Council for Women. His Grace Anil Couto, Archbishop of Delhi, His Grace Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, Bishop of Faridabad.

The meeting was attended by the women representatives of the Archdiocese of Delhi, Diocese of Faridabad and Gurugram. A total number of 130, participated from 3 Dioceses. Sr. Rushila Rebello, DHM, Sr. Rani, HCM, and Dr. Pearl Drego were the main resource speakers for the program with the topics Domestic Violence, Various Labour Schemes and Elimination of violence against women respectively. Rev Fr. Jaison Vadassery, Executive Secretary of CBCI Office for Labour, celebrated the Holy Eucharist. The Secretaries of the Dioceses presented the report of the Diocesan Women Commission Activities during the meeting.

Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas emphasized that women are role models – in their home, Church and Nation. And as role model they should come forward and claim their responsibilities and lead the people, together as a ‘team’. He shared his dream of someday witnessing a more fruitful and effective Evangelism in India with the presence of all the 22 Rites of the Universal Catholic Church. He suggested that the Diocesan Secretaries should conduct at least 1 Program a year.

In the afternoon session, we felicitated Sr. Sneha Gill on her appointment as the Member of the Delhi Minority Commission. Most Rev Theodore Mascarenhas, on his speech congratulated Sr. Sneha Gill on her achievements and motivated the women present, with his inspiring words. He spoke on the important value of Womanhood of being a Mother, by recollecting his mother who not only beared the pain but imparted values and love to him and the family. He conveyed the group that this meeting isn’t an intra but a supra-ritual meet. He congratulated Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas and Sr. Talisha for reviving the CBCI Council for Women and giving visibility and platforms.

His Grace Anil Couto expressed his appreciation for the team for the well organized program. He conveyed the message of equality and that both man and woman are capable of performing equal task with no gender bias. Relaying his best wishes, His Grace Anil Couto invoked the presence of the Holy Spirit upon the women and blessed them for their future endeavours.

His Grace Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, at the outset said that when it comes to women he had little knowledge but appreciated the office for taking such initiative to empower women and the efforts taken to reach out to the public. He compared women as the lights of the family as well of the Church and with them we gain more enlightenment.

Sr. Sneha, through her short speech shared and enlightened the group of the benefits we can claim, being a minority community. She also strongly urged the women especially, to stand up for their rights and come forward without fear, by assuring her firm support.

Sr Talisha Nadukudiyil SD

Secretary, CBCI Council for Women

North region workshop on migrants and issues of Human trafficking

North region workshop on migrants and human trafficking called for collective action of the different dioceses and congregation in Delhi to address the menace of distress migration to the capital city of India, Delhi. Archbishop Kuriakiakose Bharanikulangra inaugurated the one day workshop endorsed the commitment of the Church to work tirelessly for the most vulnerable community like Domestic workers, migrants workers, constructions? etc. He referred Dorothy day of American? Christian Labour Movements and her fight for the right of the labourer for being united with human family. He recalled Pope Francis' remembrance of Dorothy Day in his visit united states of America last year. The workshop analysed the functioning of the construction welfare board in Delhi and resolved to take concrete efforts to our workers in the welfare board of the government. The minimum wages of the workers was another concern discussed at length throughout the workshop and decided to alert all concerned to?take seriously the Minimum wages of the workers within the Church as well. Fr. Paul Moojely the assistant director Caritas India, Mr. Bhatnagar, Centre for Dec, Msgr. Jose Edassery, Fr. Jaison Vadassery, secretary CBCI office for Labour, Dr. Rani programme manager, chetanalya team spoke on varied aspects of Human trafficking issues of migrants woworker to the city of Delhi.

REPORT OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE DEPUTY SECRETARIES OF THE REGIONAL BISHOPS’ COUNCILS, SECRETARIES OF THE CBCI OFFICES / COUNCILS, CORE TEAM AND RESIDENT PRIESTS AT THE CBCI CENTRE

The joint meeting of the deputy secretaries of the Regional Bishops’ Councils secretaries of the CBCI offices / councils, Core Team and Resident Priests was held at the CBCI Centre, New Delhi on 6th and 7th November 2017. His Excellency Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, Secretary General of the CBCI welcomed all present for the meeting, especially His Eminence Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, the CBCI President, His Grace Mar Andrews Thazhath, Vice President I of CBCI and His Grace Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao, Vice President II of CBCI. In his inaugural address, His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, the CBCI President emphasized the need for the Church to be strengthened in the present situation of our beloved country. He particularly reemphasized the message of the Holy Father Pope Francis to the Church to continue to pray and to evangelize. Praying and Evangelizing are the two most important dimensions of the Church.

The whole meeting and consultation were an annual exercise of the CBCI. Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, CBCI Secretary General constantly emphasized the need of proper networking among the various units of the Church and effective communication. Deputy Secretaries of the fourteen Regional Bishops’ Councils also participated in the meeting and presented the reports of each regional Bishops’ Councils. All the regional reports in fact reflected very strongly the diversities of not only culture, language and approach, but also diversity of the problems and challenges facing the Church in India today. In the midst of the kaleidoscope of the diversity, what outshined are the richness, and the zealous and enthusiastic efforts being taken by the Church and the Church personnel at different levels and different corners of the country. Certainly there are areas of concern and areas that need to be improved.

This time, the consultation had also another added purpose to prepare the entire CBCI for the forthcoming Plenary so effectively that the CBCI remains an effective catalyst not only for the Church in India, but also for the society at large and the people of this country. The Church in India recognizes its responsibility towards her beloved country, especially to every citizen who needs more than ever everything that is required of him / her to live a life in human dignity, mutual respect and freedom that the Indian Constitution guarantees.

His Grace Mar Andrews Thazhath and His Grace Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao effectively guided the discussions and put in also valuable suggestions while appreciating all participants for their positive contributions. His Excellency Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, CBCI Secretary General led the consultation to its logical conclusions. At the end, Msgr. S. Jayanathan, the Deputy Secretary of Karnataka region thanked His Eminence Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, CBCI President, His Grace Mar Andrews Thazhath, Vice President I of CBCI, His Grace Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao, Vice President II of CBCI and His Excellency Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, CBCI Secretary General for organizing very efficiently and effectively the entire meeting. He also thanked Msgr. Joseph Chinnayyan, the Deputy Secretary General and Rev. Fr. David, the Secretary to the Secretary General for their support and concern in organizing the said meeting.

Reported by: Fr. John Ponnore

The News paper reports of Bl. Rani Maria's Beatification ceremony

We mourn the death of our Emeritus Bishop.

ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS S. MICHAEL AUGUSTINE OF PONDICHERRY-CUDDALORE RETURNS TO THE HEAVENLY FATHER

It is with great sadness and sorrow that I have to inform you that our beloved Archbishop S. Michael Augustine has returned to the Heavenly Father at 9.50 this morning, 4th November 2017.

He was 85 years old.

Some time back he was admitted in the “Be Well Hospital”, Puddocherry. After being discharged, he was taking rest in the Archbishop’s House. This morning after he complained of uneasiness he was rushed to the hospital where he passed away.

His mortal remains are kept at Escande Hall, Petit Seminaire Higher Secondary School, Pondicherry. His funeral will take place at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry on Monday 6th November 2017, 10.00 a.m.

We pray for the repose of his soul and entrust him to Blessed Rani Maria who is beatified today, praying that she intercedes for him that God welcome him to the heavenly company.

We thank God for many years of dedicated labour which Archbishop S. Michael Augustine gave to God and His Church as Priest and Bishop.

May his Soul find Peace in God.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX

Secretary General

A Two-day National Conference organized by the Secretariat CBCI Office for Tribal Affairs.

Under the aegis of the Secretariat CBCI Office for Tribal Affairs, a two-day National Conference was organized in the Indian Social Institute, New Delhi on October 30 – 31, 2017. Thirty-eight Members in charge of Tribal affairs from various Dioceses attended the Conference. The theme of the National Conference was- “Tribals Towards Unity, Equity and Sustainable Development with Human Rights Approaches.”

The Conference began with traditional drum and nagada beats followed by the welcome address by Fr. Nicholas Barla, Secretary in the CBCI Office for Tribal Affairs.

The aim was to provide an orientation to the Representatives from the Office of Tribal Affairs on the initiatives planned by the CBCI Office for Tribal Affairs. All were required to chart out concrete action plans for future networking among various stakeholders for tribal development and empowerment.

As far as the Tribal / Adivasis and the Catholic Church is concerned it is a significant beginning. Despite the absence of the Chairman and the member Bishops of the CBCI Committee for Tribal Affairs the presence of the Secretary General, Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX is a serious expression of the determination of CBCI’s commitment to the tribal / Adivasi cause, at the national and international level.

In order to provide a background to the Conference , a session on the socio-cultural analysis of the tribal situation in India was given by an Adivasi Professor of Eminence, Virginius Xaxa, HoD, Department of Sociology, Tezpur University, Assam. He informed the participants deep insights into the adivasi community and posed several challenges through the following questions:-

Who can be called a Tribal?

How to bridge the gap that exists in the Adivasi community between the Christian and non-Christian members?

How to get the clergy, religious and laity interested in tribal issues?

How diligently do you face the Hindutva agenda of targeting the Church and Adivasi community through the Freedom of Religion Act?

How to overcome our lack of interest on the Constitutional and other laws in favour of Adivasis?

The Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX, CBCI Secretary General addressed the participants on “Re-building the tribals: Challenge of the Indian Church.” Calling us to introspect where the Church is leading the Tribals, he highlighted several problems faced by the Tribal community in general and Tribal Church in particular by making a serious statement of concern, ‘Existence of Tribal community is at stake and it is a time to wake up from our sleep.’ Inclusive concern for the Adivasi community nation-wide calls for unity among Christian Tribals, need for quality education from the primary level,providing at the grassroot level, quality education- to face the future competently even without reservation. He emphasized that real inculturation has yet to take place. He also gave a clarion call for the need for awakening of clergy, religious and laity to the rights of tribals and other human rights. Mostimportantly he challenged all the participants to have passion for the cause of tribals.

The group sharing from the participants from various dioceses regarding tribal’s situations, struggles and the Church’s responses was an enriching and learning experience. Similar experiences about the tribal situation in various parts of our country helped the participants to better connect and network among themselves and various other stakeholders who are working for tribal development and empowerment.

His Grace Anil J.T. Couto, the Archbishop of Delhi also addressed the gathering and brought to the attention of the participants the problems faced by the tribal migrants/domestic workers in Delhi and other cities in North India. He also spoke of the complexities involved with the pastoral care of the migrant and domestic adivasi workers in Delhi and other cities. Fr. Satya Prakash Tigga, sj and Mr. John Dayal also addressed the participants and guided them in framing concrete action plans for tribal development and empowerment in various dioceses to be implemented on their return to their respective Offices. A concrete action plan was charted to closely network with different dioceses, zones and states under the aegis of the Secretariat CBCI Office for Tribal Affairs. The National Conference came to an end with enthused hope to work for tribals with renewed spirit. The National Conference was conducted in close Collaboration with the Department on Tribal Studies, Indian Social Studies, New Delhi.

Fr.Nicholas Barla SVD

Secretary, CBCI Office for Tribal Affairs.

CARDINAL ANGELO AMATO ARRIVES IN INDIA

Cardinal Angelo Amato, the Prefect of the Congregation for Cause of Saints, Vatican, arrived in India by Flight 122 on 2 November, 2017.

He is here to preside over the Beatification Ceremony of Sister Rani Maria to be held on 4th November, 2017 in Indore. He is accompanied by Monsignor Robert James Sarno, Official of the Congregation for Causes of Saints.

The Apostolic Nuncio to India Archbishop Giambattista Diquattro and Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX the Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and Fr. Anand David Xalxo received the distinguished visitors at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. The Apostolic Nuncio gave a bouquet of flowers and Bishop Theodore placed a shawl on the two distinguished visitors.

DIGNITARIES FROM CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES ( CBCI ) MEET WITH THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF CBCI.

The CBCI Offices were honoured by the visit of most Reverend James Vann Johnston, Jr. a member of the CRS Board of Directors; Father Walter F. Mena, an outreach partner for CRS US Operations; and Joan Rosenhauer, the CRS Executive Vice President for Church Engagement, CRS Board member and Mr. Tony Castello, Caritas India Representative.

In a meeting with Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, bilateral matters were discussed .

PRESS RELEASE Beatification of Sister Rani Maria

amitriptyline dosage

The Catholic Church in India rejoices on the occasion of the Beatification of Sr. Rani Maria and gives thanks to God for giving the people of India another Saint as a model to imitate and as an intercessor in Heaven. Sr. Rani Maria will be beatified on Saturday, November 4, 2017, at Indore. Cardinal Angelo Amato, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, is coming down specially from the Vatican to preside over the Ceremony. All four Indian Cardinals, the Apostolic Nuncio to India, nearly 50 Bishops and hundreds of Priests, Sisters and lay faithful will participate in the Solemn Ceremony.

Sister Rani Maria Vattalil, a member of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation, was slain on 25th February, 1995. According to the Police she was stabbed 54 times in front of more than 50 bus passengers in a jungle area near Udainagar (Madhya Pradesh) allegedly at the behest of moneylenders affected by the nun's social work among village women, who were organizing self-help groups.

The Beatification of Sister Rani Maria is a declaration by the Pope as head of the Church that the deceased Sister had died a martyr's death and is now dwelling in heaven. As a process, the beatification consisted a long examination of the life, virtues, writings, and reputation for holiness. Sister Rani Maria will now be called “Blessed” and may be venerated by the faithful in India and some other specific places.

Samandar Singh, the man who served a prison term for the 1995 murder of Sr. Rani, told Asia News in 2010 “I accept full responsibility for my heinous murder of Sr. Rani Maria. I cannot say that I was instigated, because my own hands stabbed her repeatedly and for this, I will regret my actions till the day I die.” He went on to say “In my own small way, I try to follow her example, helping those who are less fortunate than me, like Tribal Christians and all those who are marginalised.”

The whole Catholic Church, while being filled with joy also looks upon Blessed Rani Maria as a model of sacrifice and selfless witness. As the Bishop of Indore, Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal expresses it so beautifully: “Blessed Rani Maria is a model for us as she was ready to shed her blood for the sake of the poor and downtrodden”. The President of the CBCI, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, the Cardinals, Office-Bearers and Bishops wish the people of Indore all God’s blessings. We take this opportunity to thank the Government of India and the Government of Madhya Pradesh for all the support given to the Catholic Church in organizing this celebration.

May the Blessed Rani Maria intercede for us in our work for the deprived and marginalized sections of our society.

God bless India.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General,

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India

Collective Action called for the Labour welfare in Odisha

The regional labour commission workshop on labour migration issues of the state of Odisha chalked out extensive plan of action to effectively address the labour migration from the state to the other parts of the country. The seminar was organized by the CBCI office for Labour collaboration with Odisha Forum for Social Action (OROSA). About 80 grassroots leaders, representatives from six dioceses of Odisha attended the seminar.

Bishop Sarat Chandra Nayak of Berhampur, Vice President of the Odisha Catholic Bishops’ Council, in his inaugural address noted that work is “intrinsically” good. “There should be dignity of labour. Let no one discriminate and devalue the different category of workers. Work has equal value. Provision of safety measures is a need of the hour for migrants,” the prelate added.

The workshop brought to light that Odisha is a sending state of migrants to other destinations of the country. It is estimated that 2.5 million Odias are into labour migration and majority of them are employed in the unorganised sector. The effective action of the state government is lacking. The Interstate Migrant Workmen Act, 1979 is poorly implemented by the state. Often the migrant workers are not registered either at Origin or at Destination. There are not many civil society organisations or trade unions effectively functions to address the issues of the interstate migrants from Odisha. The medical remittances for them are unorganized, sporadic and informal and on a case to case basis. “A political will is required to tackle the problem of migration of the unorganized workers. A stringent action against trafficking agents and individuals is the need of the hour.” The two day workshop decided to set up coordination committees at the diocesan and regional levels. The coordinators of the dioceses of the labour movement will periodically report to the regional committee. All the seven dioceses of the Odisha region will establish workers facilitation centres to register the migrant workers. The regional Labour movement in Odisha will network with Labour movements in the destination states.

The two days workshop on Labour migration discussed the following topics:

Labour and Migration

Plights of domestic Workers & Women Trafficking

Migration, challenges and remedies

Fr. Jaison Vadassery

Secretary, CBCI Office for Labour

Report of the National Education Consultation on October 24th and 25th 2017, at Navjivan Renewal Centre, St. Xavier’s Campus, Delhi

The programme started with a prayer service after which the Chairman Bishop, CBCI Office for Education and Culture as well as Archbishop Thomas D’Souza, Member Bishop of the CBCI Office for Education and Culture were welcomed and felicitated; following which the inaugural lamp was lit by the two Bishops and the South Asian / National Education Coordinators of Religious Orders and Presidents of the Associations ( AINACS and Xavier Board of Higher Education) affiliated to the CBCI Office for Education and Culture. This ceremonial part of the inaugural session was followed by the Orientation talk / key note address given by the CBCI Chairman Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios as follows:

The progress regarding the Evaluation of Implementation of the “All India Catholic Education Policy 2007” – Response from Dioceses and Regions

The project being undertaken on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the “All India Catholic Education Policy 2007”, is something that had been approved by the Standing Committee meeting a couple of years ago. No other policy brought out by the CBCI has received so much follow up action as it has happened for the “All India Catholic Education Policy 2007. Soon after the Policy was brought in the year 2007, two years were spent in conducting animation programmes across the country to study and disseminate the content of the Catholic Education Policy. Three handbooks were also brought out in order to help in implementing the Catholic Education Policy with some definite methodology and to the extent of showing positive and visible indicators of the implementation of the Catholic Education Policy by each and every Catholic Education Institution in the country. From two years ago, we have started the process of evaluating each school and college in India to assess effectiveness and impact of the “All India Catholic Education Policy” in the way we are running our educational institutions. This is being done by doing a survey and evaluation regarding the ten important Salient features

of the Catholic Education Policy, by each institution through a very simple and easy to do self study report. By doing this we are achieving 3 things:

@ First of all the institutions are given an awareness of the content and the salient features of the Catholic Education Policy.

@ Secondly a number of promptings or ways of implementing the catholic Education Policy is offered to them in the process of doing this self study report by each institution.

@ Thirdly We gather the self study report from every institution and certify the Catholic quality of the institution evaluating the extent each institution is run according to the Gospel values.

On gathering the Self Study survey from each institution the CBCI Office for Education and Culture is also preparing a graphic analysis of the participation of the institutions of each of the dioceses in each of the 14 regions in this evaluation process. Secondly we intend to bring out also a graphic analysis of the impact of implementing the Catholic Education Policy in each of the 14 regions. This will give us also an idea of what are our strengths and weaknesses regarding the implementation of the Catholic Education Policy. After two years of continuous animation and training programmes in each of the 14 regions as well as National Consultations, now the dioceses and Religious orders are responding. A little more effort and cooperation from the Regional and Diocesan Education Secretaries and National and Provincial Education coordinators of Religious Congregations will facilitate the participation of all Institutions. (The enclosed region wise graphic report of how many institutions have participated in this evaluation process from each diocese of each region so far, can be seen on paged 4,5 and 6 of this report)

Policy related Developments and changes being introduced in the field of Education and further progress regarding the new National Education Policy draft by the Government

After the CBCI submission of responses, as well as the responses from others including Political parties and Parliamentarians, to the MHRD regarding the TSR Subramanian draft and the MHRD draft of the National Education Policy brought out in 2016, the Government was forced to scrap the drafting committee as well as the draft as not acceptable and as promised by the by the HRD Minister, he has appointed a new Drafting Committee of 9 people and they are given the assignment to bring out a different draft by the end of 2017 which will be put up for study and response. The CBCI Secretary General and the Secretary, CBCI Office for Education and Culture met one of the members of the new drafting Committee and came to know that the new committee is given the mandate to bring out a different draft, carved out of the existing two drafts and other wide consultation reports already conducted earlier. There is no scope for fresh consultations or inputs. But is some compiled suggestions or inputs are given, they may try to look at it.

In the meantime various policy changes are being introduced in the states and in the centre with great speed and frequency:

What is being Implemented:

1) NCERT books being made compulsory very subtly in CBSE schools.

2) For Minority Certificate from NCMEI, register first with NITI Aayog and apply with the Unique ID number given by them.

3) Admission to Medical colleges only through NEET by Medical Council of India. Now even the counseling to select students will be done not by the colleges concerned. So

who is administering the institution??? Matter in the Supreme Court. CMC Vellore admitted one student this year leaving 99 seats vacant in protest.

4) Learning outcomes in elementary school is already announced and being implemented. Suggestions were sought from Principals in January 2017.

5) CBSE has made a U turn regarding the assessment system. It has put an end to Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) system and gone back to Terminal examinations, Unit Tests and Note Book assessment like before.

7) Online Affiliated Schools’ Information System (OASIS) introduced. That is Mandatory disclosure of data of CBSE schools on CBSE website.

8) Gradual safronization through introduction of Yoga, Sanskrit, subtle mistakes in text books, bringing out history books without Mughal period, down playing the role of certain National leaders etc.

9)”Right to Free and Compulsory Education Bill” (RTE) amended again on (2.8.2017). This 2nd amendment says that all untrained teachers should get themselves qualified by 31st March 2019 or else they will have to discontinue from service after that date. To enable 11 lakh untrained teachers the Government is also giving on line training through SWAYAM (Study webs for Active learning for Young Aspiring Minds) or NIOS websites. Last date for applying was 30th September 2017. All teachers have to do their TET for teaching in schools. It can be done on line. It has to be completed by 2019.

10) Stringent students’ safety rules in schools have been announced by the Supreme Court and Police Departments and Education Departments and CWCs of States after the Ryan School incident.

What is announced as planned for Implementation:

1) Integrated Graduation and B.Ed. in 4 years (some universities have already implemented).

2) No detention policy will be up to class 5. From class 6 onwards detention may be allowed but after giving two chances to write the annual examination (in March and June). But it will be left to the states to decide from which class to start detention.

3) There are still 50 lakh out of school children. So the Government will start a campaign, “School chalo bhai School chalo”

4) Private schools are invited to become more proactive and admit 25% of students from EWS (Economically Weaker Section) by reaching out to poorer children from the neighbourhood and admitting them. The Government will reimburse the cost.

5) Staff on contract service will not be allowed anymore.

6) Government schools will compete with Private schools in giving quality education.

7) 20 out of the 200 planned institutions of excellence will be initiated immediately by Private sector. They will have total autonomy and will charge more fees as they will be asked to put in 500 crores.

8)”Fee regulation Bill” is planned to be introduced. Some states (Gujarat) have already introduced.

From the Judiciary:

MINORITY INSTITUTIONS HAVE THE RIGHT TO APPOINT QUALIFIED PERSON AS PRINCIPAL FROM THE COMMUNITY IGNORING SENIORITY: SUPREME COURT

(Judgement available with CLAP)

Every Catholic Institution should ensure:

That your institution is POCSO 2012 compliant by adopting the CBCI Child Protection Policy and procedures.

That your institution is compliant to “Women’s safety at work place Bill 2013” by adopting the CBCI Guidelines to deal with Sexual Harassment at Workplace.

That your institution implement the “All India Catholic Education Policy “and participate in the evaluation of implementation and have the institution certified.

Next Archbishop Thomas D’Souza gave a short message to the participants of the National Education Consultation emphasizing the importance of coming together and working in unison in these present times to meet the challenges paused by the present day socio- political scenario. He appreciated the initiatives being taken by the CBCI Office for Education and Culture, interacting with the Government, responding to the challenges paused by the new NEP draft that has now been withdrawn and other policy related concerns that arise almost on a daily basis. He insisted on the importance of living the Catholic identity and ensuring that our educational institutions are administered according to the All India catholic Education Policy, recalling the way the Policy was drawn up with full collaboration of the Church Hierarchy as well as the CRI and other Experts from the field of Education. He also emphasized the importance of cultivating cordial relationships with Government authorities and local leadership and all stakeholders as we carry out our education mission. He invited everyone to face the challenges and respond to the call given by the CBCI Office for Education and ensure that we impart Gospel values to the students and others whom we serve.

After the message given by Archbishop Thomas D’Souza, Fr. Joseph Manipadam made the participants familiar with the content of the conference kit bag and its purpose viz:

The routine of events for both the days of the meeting and the purpose of this National Consultation; the handouts that had been enclosed within the bag and its usefulness; a copy of the “All India catholic Education Policy 2007” and the “CBCI Child Protection Policy and Procedures; the latest blog about the CBCI Office for Education and Culture that contained an updated statistics of our Education Institutions. He said that the CBCI Office was also a launching a campaign to ensure that the Good news of Catholic Education be made known and this Education Consultation was not intended to be Research Seminar or an attempt to do a Political analysis but that it was a Consultation to seek out ways to work together and find out a way forward to empower ourselves to safeguard our institutions and respond in a proactive way to face the challenges paused due to the many recent developments especially in the field of education.

After which Fr. George Peter, the Director of NRC, welcomed the participants, familiarised them to the institution, its personnel, its facilities and the courses offered.

The next session after the coffee break was organized by the President and Secretary General of NISA (National Independent School Alliance), Mr. Kulbhushan Sharma and Mr. Parth Shah. They spoke about NISA itself and the role of Budget private schools in education in India. He said that between the years 1991 and 2001, when the Government spending was down, literacy rate increased by 13% which has been the highest increase in literacy rate ever which shows the importance of the role played by Private schools in education. They went on to impress upon the participants about the need for a introducing the Voucher system of scholarship for education so that the students could have the flexibility to study in a school of their choice. They highlighted on the need and urgency in joining the National Coalition of School Education in order to take on the various challenges paused by the current day political system that was oppressive towards nongovernmental initiatives in education. Their presentation was followed by a few minutes of interaction with the participants seeking clarification or offering comments.

The short session that followed was about ensuring the safety measures in our institutions using technology by Franciscan Solutions. They highlighted the various measures to be implemented and precautions to be taken regarding safety measures and showing also the loopholes that need to be plugged while installing equipments and putting in place technology based safety measures.

The session that followed after lunch was by the Minister for Tourism and IT, Mr. Alphons Kannamthanam who after the felicitation, welcome and introduction extended to him by Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas and all the participants, in his own outspoken and exaggerated way made the following reflections referring also to his own personal and family members’ experiences:

@How do we admit children? Do we need to have tests and interviews? Is it not challenging God?

@Where is room for creativity and innovation in our schools?

@Do we need to burden the children with books and such heavy bags?

@Will our students stand up for social justice?

@Do we need to have this killing competitiveness in our schools?

@Do we need to label children? .... Are we willing to listen etc.

In conclusion, he gave his phone number and email id and offered help whenever necessary in order to help the Christian institutions to sort out problems etc. He also took a few questions from the participants for about ten minutes before he left the venue of the meeting as he had to attend to another event elsewhere. The participants however were patient and polite although they took exceptions to some things he said.

However the short message given by Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, Secretary General of the CBCI, before he introduced Mr. Alphons Kannamthanam, was very well received as the following comment by Manoj Mathew, on Face Book update on National Education Consultation clearly shows:

“Father, the National Education Consultation was very well organized,

Congratulations. On reviewing the “All India Catholic Education Policy 2007” at its 10th anniversary, I am reminded of the opening remarks of Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas:

Reinforcing Catholic Education as an option for the poor (how the rural schools have to be of the same impact as the urban schools).

We must run our Catholic Schools on Gospel values (we don’t teach religion but our life, witness and practice need to echo the Gospel which brings values of human dignity).

Schools need to be transparent in functioning (accountability).”

In the Open session that followed after Tea break on 24th Oct, Fr. Leslie Moras mooted the idea of having a National Federation of Christian Educational Institutions, considering the many issues and challenges that we are facing currently in the Education scenario in order to empower ourselves better through collaboration and unified efforts.

The suggested associations mentioned in the discussion that followed were: Xavier Board of Higher Education, AINACS, Special Schools, Nursing Colleges, Medical Colleges.

It was further suggested that the Xavier Board should take initiatives to increase its membership and get in touch to rope in the Nursing Colleges and Medical Colleges as also the AINACS should increase their membership as these are the arms of the CBCI Office for Education and Culture.

It was also specified that any such National Federation should be under the CBCI Office of Education and Culture to be effective.

Discussing about whether such a Federation should also include the Educational institutions / Associations of other Christian Denominations, the consensus was for more active and dynamic collaboration with them at the Regional levels while their representatives / leaders could start consultative meetings with us through the Steering Committee initiated by the CBCI Office for Education and Culture.

The proposed Steering Committee members to work towards the formation of the National Federation of Christian Educational Institutions suggested by the participants were as follows:

With that the firstday’s agenda was completed and the meeting was adjourned for the day at 5.00 p.m. with a short prayer by Bishop Joshua and blessing given by the Archbishop Thomas D’Souza.

The second day’s programme started with a prayer session followed by an exposure programme on Protection of Children by an NGO that promotes a project named CACA (children against Child abuse), for half an hour.

Following which the first session for the day Chaired by Bishop Joshua was to take stock of the progress made by each of the 14 Regions regarding the participation in the evaluation of implementation of the All India catholic Education Policy. Fr. Joseph Manipadam showed the progress made in each region through graphic presentation, had an interactive discussion with the respective Regional Secretaries and the certificates for the schools that participated from each Region were given away by Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios. Plans were also made as to how to persuade all institutions to participate in this process of effective implementation of the All India Catholic Education Policy either through on line process or by sending hard copies of the self study reports by post. Each Regional Secretaries made their own plans and proposals as to how they planned to go about this task.

After the Coffee break on the second day at 11.15 A.M., a very precise presentation was made by Fr. Joseph Manipadam as Advisory from the CBCI Education Office as to how to be proactive and face the challenges and safeguard our educational institutions and be committed to the Teaching mission of the Church during these turbulent times. The presentation gave very direct and practical proposals as to how to take safeguard and proactive measures by the personnel involved in education mission to ensure the institutions’ safety and commitment to the mission.

After the presentation, some more time was spent in consultation to ensure that all proposals or suggestions from the participants were collected. The following final proposals emerged:

That we should make all efforts to forge ahead in working together in close collaboration and keep united.

Take forward the suggestion to form the National Federation of Christian Educational Institutions.

The attempt by the Government towards composite schools should be effectively countered along with like-minded people.

Accounts – income expenditure should be carefully maintained and become accountable in our financial administration.

A Catholic School logo could be introduced to show our identity and promote solidarity and belonging to the Catholic Church’s educative mission.

A common theme (sterna/campaign) for the year could be introduced for all our catholic Educational institutions to promote a common goal and vision annually.

Summing up Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios said that the agenda of the government was almost “why should you be doing this work of education? We are capable of doing it”. Especially in rural areas they are making it extremely difficult for us to continue with our education mission. Even in the area of our rural health facilities, they are making it very difficult to function because of the new policies that are introduced. We have seen that clearly the way the government changed the adoption policy to the extent that the Missionaries of Charity had to close down their adoption centres as the government policy collided with our Christian principles.

But we need to gear up and face these challenges courageously and continue our mission of teaching as it is a mission entrusted to us by Christ. We need to give good values to the children and ensure their moral formation and bring them up as upright men and women. We must stand up for our rights and not succumb to pressures as our institutions are caring for the lost, last and the least. The proposals placed by us today regarding the National Federation of Christian Educational Institutions, having a logo and a common theme for the year can be followed up. We will take it up for discussion and approval at the next Standing Committee meeting of Bishops.

Archbishop Thomas D’Souza in conclusion thanked and appreciated the persistent effort and initiatives being taken by FR. J. Manipadam and the CBCI Office for Education and Culture especially in responding speedily to the Government on policy matters and in ensuring that all our institutions comply with the Education Policy of the Church. Archbishop Thomas thanked the dynamic support and leadership and continuous encouragement being given by Bishop Joshua as Chairman of the CBCI Education Office. The initiatives and work undertaken by the CBCI Education Office from the times of RTE in 2009 and later on with the legal issues regarding the same and the NEP later on and the efforts at implementing the Catholic Education Policy etc. were all much appreciated and fruitful he remarked. He appreciated the efforts being made in these three years at bringing together the Regional Secretaries and the Education Coordinators of Religious Orders in order to work in a united manner with a common mission.

Fr. Manipadam further thanked Bishop Joshua, Archbishop Thomas for their continuous encouragement and accompaniment as he also thanked Archbishop George Anthonysamy who could not be present today but was always interested and encouraged all our efforts and activities. Finally he thanked all the participants for finding time to come for this National Education Consultation and participating with enthusiasm and appreciation. The meeting was concluded with a prayer invoking the guidance of our Blessed Mother by Bishop Joshua and both the Bishops blessing the participants.

TRAINING OF REGIONAL SECRETARIES FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

CBCI organized a communication skill training programme for the regional secretaries of the Chhattisgarh region at the Pastoral Centre, Raipur on 27th and 28th October 2017. This training in communication was arranged so as to do effective networking between the regional secretaries and Church personnel; and between regional bishops’ councils and CBCI. The two day training programme was inaugurated by His Excellency Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, the CBCI Secretary General. In his inaugural address, he emphasized the need for the Church to be effectively communicating with one another and the world at large. Effective communication is at the very root of evangelization. In his welcome address, His Grace Most Rev. Victor Henry, the Archbishop of Raipur and the Chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Council of Chhattisgarh welcomed both the CBCI Secretary General and the resource person Mr. Kushal Neogy from CRS. In his welcome address, the Archbishop expressed gratitude on behalf of the regional bishops as well as on his own behalf to the CBCI Secretary General and the CRS for taking such an important initiative to come down to the grass root level and to get CBCI connected with the regional bishops’ council and vice versa. Even though all regional secretaries could not participate in the training programme, the training itself was a very effective step in strengthening the regional Church in Chhattisgarh. Continuous and total presence of the CBCI Secretary General Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas throughout the training programme was really and highly motivating for all the participants, as it also revealed how significant effective communication is for the Church in today’s India. At the end of the two day training, Rev. Fr. Saleen expressed gratitude to CBCI and its young, vibrant Secretary General Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas for organizing the programme and the CRS for supporting in this important step the Church is taking forward. He also thanked Mr. Kushal Neogy for his effective and efficient handling of the subject. In his concluding remark, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas thanked everyone concerned, especially CRS and its resource person Mr. Kushal Neogy, Archbishop Victor Henry for co-operation and also Rev. Fr. John Ponnore, the deputy secretary for the regional Bishops’ Council.

A Visit to Tribal Villages in Andhra Pradesh and Telengana from 1st Oct. to 5th October 2017.

Most Rev. Anthony Poola, Chairman, Office for Tribal Affairs for both AP and Telangana met me (Fr.Nicholas Barla) Secretary, CBCI Office for Tribal Affairs in the month of August 2017 and invited me to visit some Tribal villages. He arranged with his secretary Fr. Sudhakar for me to visit the tribals in A.P and Telangana. Later Fr. Sudhakar coordinated with other Directors of Diocesan Social Service Units for visits to Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam,Khammam and Kurnool districts. I met the tribals in their respective villages.

On my visit , it was clearly seen that the tribal villages are neglected, as no development programme reaches them, properly. Besides the poor condition of the roads, electricity, drinking water, health care facilities have not reached these villages, in the last 70 years of our country’s Independence.No NGOs have worked well in these tribal villages. On the other hand I sensed the tribals are hard working, disciplined, very cooperative and sincere people .They need to be empowered to develop their lands, and forest areas. The need to be aware of their human rights and develop leadership qualities. The women are very good and eager for SHGs activities. The hills and forest areas have tough working condition,.but there is a need to work with the tribals of these areas.

Observations:

The Araku Valley is a neglected hilly areas. The government and the NGOs need to work together for the development of the Tribals.

There is need for empowerment and organizing the tribals of Araku Valley and in other tribal areas.

The basic needs are schools, dispensary, SHGs and employment..

Leadership , organization and skill development are the needs of the areas among the tribals.

Training on the Land Rights, Forest Rights, PESA Act, Fifth schedule of the Constitution, and Governance in Scheduled Areas are needed .

Fr.Nicholas Barla SVD

Secretary, CBCI Office for Tribal Affairs.

Adivasi Yuva Chetna Manch

The “Adivasi Yuva Chetna Manch”was organized by ‘All India Catholic University Students Federation’(AICUF) constituting the Tribal University Students of the country. There were over 130 students from Gujurat,Madhya Pradesh,Chatishgarh,Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal. Based on the theme “ Empowering Self for Social Change”, the resource persons guided the students on the Constitutional and Human rights. As the Tribals are facing acute problems of land Grabbing, displacement, violation of human rights, social and cultural disturbances and other de-human process in tribal states in the name of development, they discussed how they would change themselves and bring about transformation. In the group sharing and open sessions they expressed their views and experiences on how the companies, governments and other Dikus are infiltrating into their areas and causing disturbances. In their cultural expressions, they displayed their history, good social practices, values, living styles through songs and dances that were really enriching. In the schools, educational institutions and colleges no curriculum for Tribals were found. This was a matter for deep concern. The tribal students are forced to pick up other so called modern values, which are not connected to their life situations.

Fr.Nicholas Barla, SVD, Secretary CBCI, Office for Tribal Affairs, exposed the National Tribal scenario. He brought out the fact that due to lack of tribal leadership and the goverment system of the country there is a need to bridge the gap through implementation of laws in the villages by the tribals themselves. The students need to study in depth and take on the responsibilities of leadership.

Among the resource persons Fr. Adv.Nagin Peter Macwan SJ, Fr.Adv.Nirdosh Ekka SJ, Dr.Bipin Jojo(TISS),Fr. EmmanuelSJ(National Director, AICUF) together with other State Coordinators encouraged the students. Most Rev.William D’Souza,SJ encouraged the students to have vision, issues and find out the ways for redressal. There was constant flow of thoughts on rights and dignity of the human person in the workshop. Dr.Bipin showed different carrier orientation options for the students other than fixed areas commonly known to the tribals. The need for ‘Tribal Resource Center’ came up through the deliberations for different parts of the country. Thanks to Fr. Asit lakra the local Chaplin of Bihar Youth who coordinated and organized such an insightful programme for the tribal youth..

There was three days work shop on Land , Forest and Human Rights at Kalunga in Rourkela, Odisha. Over 100 participant were trained on the Forest Right Act 2006, PESA Act 1996 and Human Rights. Bishop Kishore Kumar Kujur himself participated full time and wants to implement these laws in entire diocese in Sundargarh a tribal Populated district. Adv. Fr.Nicholas Barla and Adv. Dr.Pradeep Prabhu were the resource persons.

Fr.Nicholas Barla SVD

Secretary, CBCI Office for Tribal Affairs

THE CHURCH IN CHHATTISGARH LOSES A HEROIC LEADER

Sr. Kusum Francis SMMI, Regional Secretary for the Council of Women in Chhattisgarh, a spirit filled religious missionary who was born on 23rd March 1963, at Kuthiathode, Ernakulam Dt. Kerala, passed away on 26th October 2017.

In 2015 Sr. Kusum was appointed as regional Secretary of the Council for Women in Chhattisgarh. With her giftedness and interest for all those who are marginalized in the society, she brought the Regional Council for Women in Chhattisgarh back to life. Ever since she took charge of the Council for Women as regional secretary, she re-energized the women of the State. With a deep sense of mission she was fully committed to the cause of women, travelling through even the most remote and interior parts of Chhattisgarh so as to conscientize the women and to strengthen them. She was a courageous leader for women in Chhattisgarh.

Sr. Kusum was suffering from Carcinoma of the stomach since one and half year. She had undergone a major surgery, continued with radiation and chemotherapy from May 2016. After the treatment, in spite of all her ill health and suffering she returned to her work and started her normal life with all vigor and enthusiasm. She had the courage to take up once again all her responsibilities as before.

She was so enthusiastic that in spite of her failing health, at the end of September she travelled to Bhubaneshwar to attend for the last time, the National meeting of Women’s Commission in which she was also awarded.

During the funeral Mass, His Excellency Rt. Rev. Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, CBCI Secretary General paid rich tribute to her deep sense of duty, commitment and zeal for the mission. His Grace Most Rev. Victor Henry Thakur, the Archbishop of Raipur and the Chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Council of Chhattisgarh thanked God and the SMMI Congregation and her family members for giving such a generous and committed soul for the mission of the Church in Chhattisgarh. The women in Chhattisgarh have lost their loved and charismatic leader, but her sense of commitment and duty will remain for a long time in the memory of the Church in Chhattisgarh. May her soul rest in peace!

Holy Father Pope Francis writes to Bishops of India extends Jurisdiction of Syro-Malabar Church to whole of India

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1. The remarkable varietas Ecclesiarum, the result of a long historical, cultural, spiritual and disciplinarydevelopment, constitutes a treasure of the Church, regina in vestitu deaurato circumdata variegate (cf. Ps 44 and Leo XIII, Orientalium Dignitas), who awaits her groom with the fidelity and patience of the wise virgin, equipped with an abundant supply of oil, so that the light of her lamp may enlighten all peoples in the long night of awaiting the Lord’s coming.

This variety of ecclesial life, which shines with great splendour throughout lands and nations, is also found in India. The Catholic Church in India has its origins in the preaching of the Apostle Thomas. It developed through contact with the Churches of Chaldean and Antiochian traditions and, from the sixteenth century onward, through the efforts of Latin missionaries. The history of Christianity in this great country thus led to three distinct sui iuris Churches, corresponding to ecclesial expressions of the same faith celebrated in different rites according to the three liturgical, spiritual, theological and disciplinary traditions. Although this situation has sometimes led to tensions in the course of history, today we can admire a Christian presence that is both rich and beautiful, complex and unique.

2. It is essential for the Catholic Church to reveal her face in all its beauty to the world, in the richness of her various traditions. For this reason the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, which celebrates its centenary year, having been established through the farsightedness of Pope Benedict XV in 1917, has encouraged, where necessary, the restoration of Eastern Catholic traditions, and ensured their protection, as well as respect for the dignity and rights of these ancient Churches.

3. The Second Vatican Council embraced this vision of the Church and reminded the faithful of the need to protect and preserve the treasure of the particular traditions of each Church. “Moreover, within the Church particular Churches hold a rightful place; these Churches retain their own traditions, without in any way opposing the primacy of the Chair of Peter, which presides over the whole assembly of charity (cf. Ignatius of Antioch, Ad Rom., Praef.), and protects legitimate differences, while at the same time assuring that such differences do not hinder unity but rather contribute toward it” (Lumen Gentium, 13).

4. As Lumen Gentium teaches, it is for the Bishop of Rome to promote unity in the diversity of the Body of Christ. In this task, the Roman Pontiffs faithfully interpret and apply the voice of the Second Vatican Council, which expressed the ardent desire that the Oriental Churches, venerated for their antiquity, should “flourish and with new apostolic vigour execute the task entrusted to them” (Orientalium Ecclesiarum, 1). Their responsibility is not only to become ever more effective instruments of that “special duty of promoting the unity of all Christians, especially Eastern Christians” (Orientalium Ecclesiarum, 24), but also to promote their “equal dignity […] for they enjoy the same rights and are under the same obligations, also in respect of preaching the Gospel to the whole world” (Orientalium Ecclesiarum, 3).

Thirty years ago, my beloved predecessor Saint John Paul II wrote a Letter to the Bishops of India. Drawing on the Second Vatican Council, he sought to apply the conciliar teaching to the Indian context. In India, even after many centuries, Christians are only a small proportion of the population and, consequently, there is a particular need to demonstrate unity and to avoid any semblance of division. Saint John Paul II also stated that the need for unity and the preservation of diversity are not opposed to one another: “This need to be faithful to the traditions and patrimony of one’s own rite must not be interpreted as an interference with the Church’s task of ‘gathering into one the children of God who are scattered abroad’ (Jn 11:52) or with the mission of the Church to promote the communion of all people with the Redeemer” (Epistula ad Indiae Episcopos, 28 May 1987).

5. Five decades ago, when the Syro-Malabar Church expanded to some central and northern parts of India with “missionary eparchies”, it was generally thought by the Latin Bishops that there should be just one jurisdiction, that is, one bishop in a particular territory. These eparchies, created from Latin dioceses, today have exclusive jurisdiction over those territories, both of the Latin and Syro-Malabar faithful. However, both in the traditional territories of the Eastern Churches, as well as in the vast area of the so-called diaspora (where these faithful have long been established), a fruitful and harmonious cooperation between Catholic bishops of the different sui iuris Churches within the same territory has taken place. This cooperation not only offers an ecclesiological justification for such a solution, but also demonstrates its pastoral benefits. In a world where large numbers of Christians are forced to migrate, overlapping jurisdictions have become customary and are increasingly effective tools for ensuring the pastoral care of the faithful while also ensuring full respect for their ecclesial traditions.

6. In India itself, overlapping jurisdictions should no longer be problematic, for the Church has experienced them for some time, such as in Kerala. Saint John Paul II’s Letter authorized the erection of a Syro-Malabar eparchy in the Bombay-Pune region, which became the Eparchy of Kalyan. In 2012 the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Faridabad was erected in the region of Delhi and its neighbouring states, while the boundaries of the Eparchy of Mandya were extended in 2015 to include the metropolitan area of Bangalore. In the same year, an Eparchy and an Apostolic Exarchate were erected for the Syro-Malankar faithful, so that by these ecclesiastical circumscriptions the Syro-Malankar Church could provide pastoral care for its faithful throughout the territory of India. All these developments show that, albeit not without problems, the presence of a number of bishops in the same area does not compromise the mission of the Church. On the contrary, these steps have given greater impetus to the local Churches for their pastoral and missionary efforts.

7. In 2011 my predecessor Benedict XVI wished to provide for the pastoral needs of the Syro-Malabar faithful throughout India, and I confirmed his intention following the plenary session of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches in 2013. Archbishop Raphael Thattil is currently the Apostolic Visitor for those Syro-Malabar faithful in India who live outside their own territory, and he has provided detailed reports to the Apostolic See. This issue has been examined in meetings at the highest levels of the Church. Following these steps, I believe the time is now right to complete this process.

I have therefore authorized the Congregation for the Oriental Churches to provide for the pastoral care of the Syro-Malabar faithful throughout India by the erection of two Eparchies and by the extension of the boundaries of the two already in existence.

I decree also that the new circumscriptions, as with those already in existence, be entrusted to the pastoral care of the Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly and to the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church, according to the norms of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.

8. I hope that my decision will be welcomed with a generous and peaceful spirit, although it may be a source of apprehension for some, since many Syro-Malabars, deprived of pastoral care in their own rite, are at present fully involved in the life of the Latin Church. I am convinced, however, that all those involved will understand that there is no need for concern: the Church’s life should not be disrupted by such a provision. Indeed it must not be negatively interpreted as imposing upon the faithful a requirement to leave the communities which have welcomed them, sometimes for many generations, and to which they have contributed in various ways. It should rather be seen as an invitation as well as an opportunity for growth in faith and communion with their sui iuris Church, in order to preserve the precious heritage of their rite and to pass it on to future generations. There is already an instruction by the Congregation for the Oriental Churches to the Eparchy of Faridabad, which indicates that a member of the Syro-Malabar faithful, by virtue of the same law, is also a member of the Syro-Malabar parish where he or she is domiciled (Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, Can, 280 §1); yet at the same time, he or she can remain fully involved in the life and activities of the parish of the Latin Church. No dispensation is required from the law currently in force for the faithful to practice their faith serenely, and they may do this with the pastoral care of either Latin or Syro-Malabar pastors (cf. Prot. No. 197/2014, 28 January 2016).

9. The path of the Catholic Church in India cannot be that of isolation and separation, but rather of respect and cooperation. The presence of several bishops of the various sui iuris Churches in the same territory will surely offer an eloquent witness to a vibrant and marvellous communion. This is the vision of the Second Vatican Council, which I quote once again: “Between all the parts of the Church there remains a bond of close communion whereby they share spiritual riches, apostolic workers and temporal resources. For the members of the people of God are called to share these goods in common, and of each of the Churches the words of the Apostle hold good: ‘According to the gift that each has received, administer it to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God’ (1Pet 4:10)” (Lumen Gentium, 13). It is in this spirit that I urge all the beloved Churches in India to be generous and courageous as they witness to the Gospel in the spirit of fraternity and mutual love. For the Syro-Malabar Church, this continues the valued work of their priests and religious in the Latin context, and sustains their availability for those Syro-Malabar faithful who, although choosing to attend Latin parishes, may request some assistance from their Church of origin. The Latin rite Church can continue to generously offer hospitality to members of the Syro-Malabar communities who do not have church buildings of their own. The cooperation among all the sui iuris Churches should continue, for example in the area of retreats and seminars for clergy, Bible conferences, celebrations of common feast days and ecumenical endeavours. With the growth of spiritual friendship and mutual assistance, any tension or apprehension should be swiftly overcome. May this extension of the pastoral area of the Syro-Malabar Church in no way be perceived as a growth in power and domination, but as a call to deeper communion, which should never be perceived as uniformity. In the words of Saint Augustine, who sang the praises of the Trinity and of the wonderful communion of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, I also ask you: dilatentur spatia caritatis (Sermon69, PL 5, 440.441). May there be a growth in love, communion and service.

Dear brother Bishops, I commend all of you to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and I assure you of my closeness in prayer. To all of you, the Church and the faithful in India, I impart my Apostolic Blessing, and I ask that you pray for me.

From the Vatican, 9 October 2017

FRANCIS

Erection of Syro-Malabar Eparchies of Shamshabad and Hosur and Appointment of their first Bishops.

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-14/2017 10th October, 2017

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Your Eminences, Graces, Excellencies,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness Pope Francis has erected the Syro-Malabar Eparchies of Shamshabad and Hosur, and has appointed as its first Bishops, respectively, His Lordship Rt. Rev. Raphael Thattil, till now Auxiliary Bishop of Trichur and Rev. Fr. Sebastian (Jobby) Pozholiparampil, of the clergy of Irinjalakuda.

At the same time the Holy Father has extended the boundaries of the Eparchies of Ramanathapuram and Thuckalay.

These provisions were made public in Rome on Tuesday, 10th October, 2017, at noon local time, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time, together with a Letter of the Holy Father.

His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Raphael Thattil was born on 21st April, 1956, was ordained Priest on 21st December, 1980 and consecrated Titular Bishop of Buruni and Auxiliary Bishop of Trichur on 10th April, 2010. He was appointed Apostolic Visitator of the Syro-Malabars residing in India outside the territorium proprium on 11th January, 2014.

Rev. Fr. Sebastian (Jobby) Pozholiparampil was born on 1st September, 1957 at Pullur, in the Diocese of Irinjalakuda. After his school education, he joined the St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Thope, Trichur, and had his philosophical and theological formation at St. Thomas ApostolicSeminary, Vadavathoor. He was ordained Priest on 22nd December, 1982. He holds a Licentiate in Theology from the Angelicum, Rome. He served the Eparchy as Asst. Parish Priest at Aloor, and Parish Priest at Kaipamangalam, East Chendrappini, Cheelor, Padiyoor, Meladoor, Parappukara Forane, Thottipal and Cathedral Church. He was Rector of the Spirituality Centre, Eparchial Finance Officer, Vice Rector of the Minor Seminary, Director of Santisadanam, Director of Legion of Mary and Secretary of the Presbyteral Council. Presently, Syncellus of the Eparchy of Irinjalakuda and Rector of St. Paul’s Minor Seminary and Vocation promoter. He was formerly the Coordinator of Chennai Mission.

We congratulate the Syro-Malabar Church for two new Eparchies and rejoice with them. We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Bishop Raphael Thattil and Fr. Sebastian (Jobby) Pozholiparampil and assure them of our prayers and wholehearted collaboration to the Syro-Malabar Church.

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

REUNION DAY CELEBRATION OF THE SYRO-MALANKARA CATHOLIC CHURCH AND EPISCOPAL ORDINATIONS

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church celebrated 87th Reunion Day (Sabha Sangamam) and Episcopal Ordinations from 19 to 21 September 2017 at Adoor under the auspice of Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum. It was an occasion for the Church to remember and to give thanks to the God Almighty for the abundant blessings which he has showered upon this Church during the course of time. The chief guest of the program was His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius Youssef Younan III, the Syrian Catholic Patriarch of Antioch, and the other delegates His Excellency Youssef Habash, Bishop of USA-Canada, Archbishop of Egypt- His Grace Youssef Hanoush. All the bishops from the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, number of bishops from the Latin and the Syro-Malabar Church, Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church, Malankara Syrian Jacobite Church and Marthoma Church were participated in the celebration. The program was attended by more than twenty-five thousand people including Vicar Generals, Core-Episcopos, Rambans, Priests, Religious and Lay faithful from various parts of the world. There were representatives from the Hindu and Muslim communities and leaders from various political and other social realms.

As a memorial monument of the 87th Reunion day Celebrations, the newly constructed Sacred Heart church at Adoor, was consecrated and opened to all on 19 September 2017. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, was the principal Celebrant, and His Beatitude Moran Mor Ignatius Youssef III Younan, the Syrian Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and the dignitaries participated in it.

On 19 September, after the hoisting of Papal and Catholicate flags at the venue of the celebration there was an International Quiz competition organized by the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM). On 20th September there were gatherings of MCCL (children) MCYM (Youth), MCA (Laity) and Mathrusangam (Mothers Association) at various venues. More than thousand Sunday school students and teachers took part in the MCCL meeting and Rev. Fr Bony OFM conducted the orientation class. The gathering of MCYM was inaugurated by Dr. Santhosh Mathew IAS, the Chairman, NCTE. Rev. Dr Jacob Manjaly presented the theme. More than three thousand youth participated in the session. The session of the lay people (MCA) was inaugurated by Dr. Cyriac Joseph, Hon’ Rtd. Justice of Supreme Court. Dr Jacob Punnoose IPS Rtd., DGP of Kerala, delivered the benedictory address. The gathering of the mothers (Mathrusamagam) was inaugurated by Moran Mor BaseliosCardinal Cleemis Catholicos, and Adv. Grace Lal, Family Councillor, led the session.

Green protocol of the State was strictly observed throughout the celebrations. Hence, Mrs R. Girija IAS, Hon’ District Collector of Pathanamthitta, gave the green protocol certificate to His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos for keeping the entire premises under green protocol of the state. Several charitable acts have been launched during this reunion gathering.

There was a special gathering conducted under the title ‘Addressing of the Church in Fire’ in view of addressing the issues of the persecuted Church in Syria. The chief guest of the function His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius Youssef Younan III, the Syrian Catholic Patriarch of Antioch shared the concerns and anxieties of the people in Syria and Lebanon. As a token of love the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church offered Rs. 65,00000/- to the persecuted church.

Episcopal Ordinations

The Episcopal Ordinations of His Excellency Most. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Makarios (George Kalayil Ramban) as the Bishop of Puttur and His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Yoohanon Mar Theodoisus (Yoohanon Kochuthundil Ramban), as Bishop of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia and Apostolic Visitator for Europe and Oceania were taken place on 21st September 2017. The Principal celebrant was Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos. His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius Youssef III Younan, all the prelates of the Syro-Malankara CatholicChurch and other Bishops delegates from various Churches solemnized the ceremony.

Inauguration of the Diocese of Parassala and the Installation of His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Eusebius

The inauguration of the newly erected eparchy of Parassala and the enthronement ceremony of Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius, the first bishop of the Eparchy, was took place at Nazareth Home School, Balaramapuram on 23 September 2017. Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos was the Chief celebrant. His Beatitude Ignatius Youssef III Younan, the Antiochean Syrian Patriarch, Archbishop Giambattista Diquatro, the Apostolic Nuncio to India, Mother Prema, the Superior General of the Sisters of Charity, and other Bishops were given ecclesial reception at the main entrance of the venue. The sunthroniso ceremony or the installation was conducted during the concelebrated Holy Mass. Archbishop Giambattista Diquatro, the Apostolic Nuncio to India, gave the homily. It was followed by a felicitation meeting. Rev. Mother Prema, the Superior General of the Sisters of Charity, inaugurated the public meeting. She showed a special thanks to Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos for taking up Saint Mother Teresa of Kolkota as the patroness saint of the newly erected eparchy and offered prayers and support of the congregation to the new Eparchy. It is the first eparchy in the world which took Mother Teresa of Kolkota as the patroness saint. A good number of political-religious and social leaders were participated in the function.

Installation of His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Makarios

The enthronement ceremony of Most Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Makarios, the second bishop of the Eparchy of Puttur, was took place at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Nujibalthala, Karanataka on 30 September 2017. Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos was the Chief celebrant. The sunthroniso ceremony or the installation was conducted during the concelebrated Holy Mass. His Grace Archbishop Bernard Moris, the Archbishop of Bangalore delivered the homily. All the bishop’s from the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’sousa (Mangalore), Rt. Rev. Dr. Mar Lawrence Mukkuzhy (Belthangadi), and other members of the Bishop’s Conference of Karnataka graced the occasion. It was followed by a felicitation meeting in which the Chief-Vip of Karnataka delivered the Key Note Address. A good number of political-religious and social leaders were participated in the function.

+ Bishop Yoohanon Mar Theodosius

Bishop of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia of

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church

The 2nd Catholic Women Convention of Manipur, 2017

The 2nd Catholic Women Convention 2017 was held from the 30th of September to the 3rd of October. Around 2000 delegates from all the parishes of the Archdiocese of Imphal took part with great enthusiasm. The Inaugural Function was graced by Dr. Najma Heptulla, the honorable Governor of Manipur who was the Chief Guest and by the Archbishop Dominic Lumon, the Archbishop of Imphal.

Dr. Najma Heptulla expressed the need for the different religions to respect one another and practice tolerance. She categorically said that no religion is higher than the truth. She appreciated the role of women among the tribes of Manipur and warned against the evil forces such as denial of equal rights, girl child trafficking and abuses that suppress women. She suggested the need for education to empower women and to remove the exploitation against them. She also expressed the urgency to care for the earth and to protect it from destruction.

On the second day Ms. Nemcha Kipgen, Hon’ble Minister of Social Welfare, Govt. of Manipur, was the Chief Guest of the Afternoon Session and Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, the Secretary General CBCI, was the Guest of Honour. The Hon’ble Minister extorted the women folk to be courageous and she cited Mary the mother of Jesus as a powerful model of a strong, committed and faithful mother.

Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX explained the manifold difficulties and responsibilities faced by women in comparison to men and pointed out the need to support them to fulfill their role in the family, Church and society. He interpreted the biblical story of the creation of a woman from the rib bone of the first man as a sign of equality in which she was made by God to walk by the side of the man as an equal partner.

On the concluding day Shri Th. Shyamkumar, Hon’ble Minister of Forest and Environment and Urban Development Govt. of Manipur was the Chief Guest of the Closing Function. The Hon’ble Minister is the lone Catholic Minister in the cabinet and his presence was a matter of great joy to the congregation. He encouraged the gathering by giving the testimony of his own dramatic conversion to the Catholic faith. As a young boy he was instigated and offered money by some elders to throw stones at the Mission School in the night. One night the young boy threw the stones and narrow missed the head of the parish priest. This act filled him with great fear and shame and he had disquiet conscience. At night he had a dream and saw a cross which he held firm as it drew near to him. The dream was so real that the following morning he gathered courage to meet the parish priest and confessed his misdeeds. That was his day of conversion. He slowly and steadily learned the Catholic faith and he is now convinced that faith is to be shown by good works rather than by mere verbal profession. He further encouraged the need to prove the truth of our Catholicity by respecting and loving the people of other religions.

Archbishop Dominic Lumon who was the Functional President of the Inaugural and Closing Functions too voiced the need for the Catholic women to grow in faith in order to perform well the God entrusted responsibilities in family, Church and society. The different speakers who were invited for the various sessions dealt with the leadership role of women, the ways to be good mothers and on how Mary served as a model of an empowered women who stood by her son till the end. Finally, all the women expressed their satisfaction over the convention. The mark improvement in organization, involvements and performances were positively commended by the participants. The convention was indeed a mega event whereby the Catholic women of the different tribes celebrated their difference through the unity of one faith.

EULOGY – RT. REV. PATRICK NAIR, EMERITUS BISHOP OF MEERUT

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7

On 10th September 2017 Bishop Patrick Nair drove his car and went to St. Francis Monastery, Barlowganj, Mussoorie to make his annual retreat with the priests of the Meerut Diocese. On 11th September the first day of the retreat he had a multiple brain hemorrhage and was rushed to the nearby Max Super Specialty Hospital in Dehradun. He was unconscious and was supported with the ventilator. On 13th September night his condition became very critical and the doctors almost gave up. At midnight I anointed him and then in the morning he became somewhat stable. On 17th September he was shifted to Shri Mahant Indires Medical College Hospital, Dehradun for better medication under the care of Dr. Pankaj Arora one of the best neurologist in Uttarakhand. On 7th October the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, our Blessed Mother knowing that Bishop Patrick had great devotion to the Rosary and propagated the devotion by distributing rosaries to all whom he visited, took him with her at 7.59 p.m. to Jesus her son for whom he was a priest and Bishop, accompanied by them to meet the Heavenly Father.

Bishop Patrick Nair was born on 15th August 1932 and had his schooling in the prestigious schools of Delhi, Mussoorie – Presentation, St. Columbus and St. George’s College. In his school days he had been a bright and intelligent student, excelling not only in academics but in every other activity that was held in school or otherwise, be it be debates, declamation, dramatics, singing or games. He won the All India Singing contest held in Delhi twice. He sang in the foreign service of All India Radio in the late 40’s. His sculpture was selected for U.P. state exhibit. Since young days he had been a person of deep faith, naturally inclined to God and Religion, a calling he was divinely inspired by. Then he joined the seminary to pursue his priestly studies. He completed his Philosophy in St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore and Theology in Papal Seminary, Pune and was ordained Priest on October 3, 1959. He also had the degree of M.A.

As a priest he was appointed as Rector of St. John’s Minor Seminary at Sardhana, Administrator of the Shrine of Our Lady of Graces and later Vicar General of the Diocese of Meerut. From Sardhana he was transferred to Sacred Heart Church, Tajpur as Parish Priest. While he was parish priest of Tajpur he was appointed Bishop of Meerut to succeed Most Rev. Archbishop Joseph Bartholomew Evangelisti and was consecrated on October 2, 1974 as the Second Bishop of the Diocese of Meerut. As a Bishop he worked tirelessly for the development of the diocese especially in villages with emphasis on Hindi Medium Schools. There were 45 such schools in the diocese when he retired. He invited religious both men and women to assist in the work of the diocese. There were 94 religious houses when he retired. The Catholic population doubled and after rendering 35 years of dedicated service as bishop his resignation was accepted in 2009. Then he chose to stay in Dehradun Parish and assisted the Parish in all capacities till his last breath.

As a bishop he had served the National Church as a member of the commission for clergy and religious. Regional level when the Agra Regional Priests Council was instituted. He became the Chairman of it. Presently he held the post as President of the Ex-Students Association called the Ex-Manorites. He was also an affiliated member of the Patrician Brothers. He was a perfect liturgist. He guided and directed FSLG Congregation after the death of its founder Archbishop J.B. Evangelisti. He assisted in framing the Ad Experimentum Constitution of the FSLG’s. He also took keen interest in obtaining the Pontifical status for them in 2003.

He began the diocesan bulletin in English “Our Lady of Graces” and continued to write and edit for many years which has become the diocesan magazine today. He was a great admirer and beloved son of St. Teresa of Calcutta because of which Mother Teresa opened six M.C. Communities in the diocese. In 1971 while playing basketball with the minor seminarians one of the seminarians’ finger nail plunged into his right eye and his sight was irreparably lost forever. For the rest of his life he very well managed with one eye. Later when the left eye began to give him trouble he was miraculously cured by touching the cotton swab of the blood of St. Teresa of Calcutta. He was a member of the Focolare movement, a movement he liked so much and lived its spirituality. He was a very adventurous person. Walking, cycling, driving and photography were some of his many hobbies.

He was a Retreat Preacher. He has written so many articles on various topics to several magazines. He cherished a special love for the orphans, poor and the MC Children and Tajpur Children. He had a very good memory for names and facts. He always trusted in Divine Providence. As a person he was simple in life, very approachable, unassuming in conduct, totally dedicated to his work. He was certainly the most revered member of the community, much loved by Priests, Religious and Laity for his genuine goodness and generosity. He lived his life in conformity with the word and will of God, living every Christian virtue like austerity simplicity, charity, poverty and humility in his day to day life, preaching it more through self example than through the pulpit.

For the Diocese of Meerut it is an irreplaceable loss but we console each other with the firm belief that he is in heaven and is interceding for us. May he rest in peace!

This Eulogy has been prepared by Bishop Francis Kalist, Bishop of Meerut

It is with great sadness and sorrow that I have to inform you that our beloved Bishop Patrick Nair has returned to the Heavenly Father at 7.10 this evening, 7 October 2017 . He was 85 years old.

He was admitted to Max Hospital Dehra Dun on 11th September 2017 and later shifted to Mayath Indris Medical College Hospital, Dehra Dun where he passed away.

Details of funeral arrangements are awaited and will be communicated later.

We pray for the repose of his soul and entrust him to our Lady of Rosary whose feast we celebrate today, praying that she welcomes him to the heavenly company.

We thank God for many years of dedicated labour which Bishop Patrick gave to God and His Church as Priest and Bishop.

May his Soul find Peace in God.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

PRESS RELEASE on unfortunate incident of Fundamentalism in Mizoram

Prot.1152/GenSec2017 (3-b-10/CBCI-GC) 6th October, 2017

It is with great sadness and sorrow that we have learnt from sections of the National Press of an unfortunate incident in which members of a sect calling themselves Christians, have burnt images of Hindu deities and our Indian National Flag in Lunglie District of Mizoram. We have been in touch with the local Catholic Bishop of Aizawl, Bishop Stephen Rotluanga, who is upset about the happenings.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India strongly and unequivocally denounces this deplorable act. We want to state very clearly that we stand firmly against any sort of fundamentalism, wherever it may come from. Any attempt to cause division and sow hatred is against the principles of Christianity and against humanity. The Catholic Church along with other Christian Churches has always stood for national unity and for peace and harmony among all peoples.

As is well known, the Christian community is a peace loving community, known for its love for India and we condemn in the strongest possible terms the burning of our Flag.

Those who have committed these acts cannot and should not profess to be Christians because Our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us “to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to give to God what belongs to God.” We, as Christians, love and worship God and, in the same way, love and serve our Country and people selflessly.

We are shocked that anyone could show disrespect to members of another religion in the name of Christ. We remind these misguided youth about the episode in the Bible when Jesus wanted to visit a Samaritan village, the people of the village refused to accept him and two of his close disciples asked him “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” And the Gospel says – “But Jesus turned and rebuked them. And they went to another village.”

Following the teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church along with all the Christian Churches, rejects intolerance and professes its profound respect for every religion. We share the pain of our Hindu brethren, who would be hurt and upset by this unfortunate and unacceptable incident. The Catholic Church reiterates that religion is meant for building bridges and constructing lives of people. It cannot be used and should never be utilised for spreading hatred against fellow human beings.

We exhort the miscreants to give up their wrong ways and pray that they may see the light.

God bless India.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General,

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI)

CATHOLIC BISHOPS AWARD WOMEN FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE

As reported by Mr. Purushottam Nayak in mattersIndia

Bhubaneswar: Anna Kujur, who fights against human trafficking in Odisha, eastern India, was among the first awardees for meritorious service given by the women council of the Catholic bishops.

Ten lay women and a Catholic nun received the awards during the national meeting of the council held at the Xavier University in Bhubaneswar, capital of Odisha.

As many as 45 women from 14 regions of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) attended the September 30-October 4 meet that addressed the theme, “Role of Women in making the family.”

Sister Talisha Nadukudiyil, national secretary of the CBCI women’s council, said the awarded include three Catholic women, who exemplified the council’s mission in eliminating gender discrimination and upholding women empowerment.

“The purpose of the award is to identify and felicitate the service achievements and meritorious contributions of Catholic women in the Church and society,” the member of the Sisters of the Destitute explained.

The council also chose one women from each region for the ‘best leader’ award.

Sister Nadukudiyil also said the criteria for selection were Catholic women’s work at grassroots level to eliminate gender discrimination and promote women’s empowerment.

Anna Kujur, an eleventh grader and mother of two sons and two daughters, has so far rescued around 20 women and girls from traffickers with the police help. She has formed committee in 12 villages to educate people on forestland issues. She founded Sundargarh Adivasi Vikash Manch (forum for the development of Sundergarh tribes). Through her leadership many officers were suspended or dismissed for corruption. She has also opened training centers for school dropouts.

“I thank the CBCI Council for women for the acknowledgement,” Anna Kujur said after receiving the award.

Rosakutty Abraham from Kerala said she has received many awards in life, but the latest one makes her extremely happy since it was an acknowledgement from the Church for her contribution to women in the Church and society.

She has received 21 awards at national, state, district and diocesan levels for offering free food, shelter and counseling to the needy. She currently holds 13 positions in different bodies of Church and society.

P Arockia Mary Lucia, the awardee from Tamil Nadu, offers legal help in women facing violence. She has dealt with about 400 cases of atrocities against women, bonded labor, domestic violence, and honor killing. She has formed “Federation of Atrocity against Women. She also educates 12 rape survivors and 22 poor Dalit girl children.

The meeting was attended by CBCI secretary general Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, chairperson of the council Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas of Gurgaon, and Bishop Kishor Kumar Kujur of Rourkela, regional chairperson of Odisha Women Commission.

Others were Fathers Prasanna Pradhan, vicar general of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, and Alwyn Rodrigues, prefect of the Xavier University of Bhubaneswar. National secretaries of India’s three ritual Churches also attended the meeting. They were Sister Lilly Francis of Latin Rite, Delcy Luckachan of Syro Malabar and Sara Mani Kuriakose, of Syro Malankara.

Bishop Mascarenhas commended the women’s council for its efforts to empower women in society. “Imitate the biblical women like Mary who trusted God right from the time of conception till Calvary and make positive contributions to society today,” he urged the participants.

Bishop Barnabas said he appreciated women’s effort to bring about changes in society. “May you become the ambassadors of change in society,” the Syro-Malankara prelate said in his keynote address.

The Joint Committee of the CBCI-CRI Meet

The Joint Committee of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and the Conference of Religious, India (CRI) met in Bangalore on 29th September, 2017.

The Joint Committee expressed thanks to God for the safe release of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil from captivity. The members thanked the Holy See, the Indian Bishops, the Indian Government, the Sultan of Oman and all others who contributed to the release of the Salesian Fr. Tom. They also acknowledged that it was a miracle of God in answer to prayers from millions of people of all faiths from across the world.

The members discussed difficulties and challenges faced by Christian Institutions. The Committee also decided to work on documents for further harmonious relationships between the Bishops, Dioceses and Religious. It was resolved to further strengthen the joint working between the CBCI and CRI.

CBCI Welcomes Fr. Tom

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India gave a warm affectionate welcome to Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil returning to India from captivity in Yemen. The released Priest was received on 29th September, 2017, by the Bishops gathered in the Standing Committee Meeting in Bangalore.

Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, President of the CBCI, gave Fr. Tom a bouquet of flowers, while Cardinal George Alencherry placed a shawl on Fr. Tom.

A prayer of thanksgiving was said and Cardinal Cleemis welcomed Fr. Tom and called his liberation an act of grace from the Lord. Fr. Tom related the moments of his kidnapping, his stay in captivity and his dramatic release. He expressed his profound gratitude for all God’s graces and for the help rendered by the Holy Father and the Holy See, the Cardinals and Bishops, the Indian Government, Sultanate of Oman and many other people. He was specially grateful to people of all faiths, who prayed for his release.

Earlier arriving on 28th September, Fr. Tom had been received by the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, the Minister for External Affairs, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj and took questions at a Press Conference organised at the CBCI Headquarters. He also celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Delhi.

We pray to the Lord to grant Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil good health, healing and strength that he may serve the Lord for a long time to come.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Standing Committee had its 131st Meeting at the St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences on 27th to 29th September, 2017. The Meeting was presided over by the President, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis. The Office-Bearers namely, the First Vice-President Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, the second Vice-President Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão and the Secretary General Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas formed part of the presiding team.

The CBCI Standing Committee is made of all the Metropolitan Bishops and the Bishop Chairmen of the CBCI Offices and Councils besides Bishop Chairmen of Caritas India, St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, National Biblical, Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC), National Vocation Service Centre (NVSC), National Institute of Social Communications, Research and Training (NISCORT) and Constant Lievens Hospital Ranchi. It meets every six months and discusses issues that arise in regards to the Episcopal Conference and the Church in India.

This Standing Committee also set in motion the preparations for the forthcoming Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference from February 2-9, 2018 in Bangalore.

The Standing Committee also took stock of the challenges the Church is facing and discussed ways to progress spiritually.

BISHOP ROGER CHUNG JAOMALAZA FROM MAURITIUS VISITS CBCI HEADQUARTERS

BISHOP ROGER CHUNG JAOMALAZA FROM MAURITIUS VISITS CBCI HEADQUARTERS

Bishop Roger Chung Jaomalaza an Anglican Bishop from Mauritius visited Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX the Secretary General of CBCI at CBCI Headquarters, New Delhi on 25th September 2017. Bishop Roger was the 3rd bishop of Antsiranana in Madagascar. He is visiting India, meeting people and discussing with them about the leadership in the Churches in the post-colonial period. The CBCI has always encouraged the ecumenical meetings. Bishop Roger appreciated the warm welcome at the CBCI and was encouraged by the meeting he had with Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas.

PROMULGATION OF ‘CBCI GUIDELINES TO DEAL WITH SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORKPLACE’ 14th September 2017, CBCI Centre.

CBCI COUNCIL FOR WOMEN

PROMULGATION OF ‘CBCI GUIDELINES TO DEAL WITH SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORKPLACE’

14th September 2017, CBCI Centre.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India released the ‘CBCI Guidelines to deal with Sexual Harassment at Workplace’ at CBCI Centre, Ashok Place, New Delhi. The document was released by Most Rev Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, Secretary General of the CBCI.

Most Rev Jacob Mar Barnabas OIC, Chairperson of CBCI Council for Women, Most Rev. Anil J Couto, Archbishop of Delhi, Most. Rev Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, Bishop of Faridabad, Msgr Joseph Chinnayyan, Deputy Secretary General, CBCI, Rev Sr. Talisha Nadukudiyil SD, National Secretary, CBCI Council for Women, Rev Sr. Sneha Gill, Minority Commission Member, Delhi State and experts from different fields at the historic moments of the Church. The ‘Guidelines’ were approved by the CBCI standing Committee in September 2016. They are prepared and published by CBCI Council for Women. These Guidelines will be implemented in all the Catholic Institutions all over India.

Sr. Talisha welcomed the gathering and thanked all those who had contributed in putting together these Guidelines. Bishop Barnabas in his introduction to the document explained the salient features of the Guidelines being promulgated. Bishop Theodore conveyed the greetings of the CBCI President Cardinal Baselios Cleemis and his full support to the work of the Women’s Council. He praised the Women’s Council under the leadership of Bishop Barnabas and Sr. Talisha for the dedicated hard work they had put in to prepare the Guidelines.

The Catholic Church has always affirmed and celebrated the value and dignity of women, so well personified, in Mary our heavenly Mother. The Catholic Church in India is seriously concerned about the increasing violence against women and girl children in Indian Society. The promulgation of the Guidelines is a step ahead of the Civil Law by being gender inclusive and by setting up a detailed structural procedure.

Sr Talisha SD

“I will give thanks to you, Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 9:1) These words from the Psalm come to my lips as we thank God for the wonders he has done for Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil. His great mercy has been shown to all of us who over the last 18 months were praying for the release of our beloved Fr. Tom.

“I will give thanks to you, Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 9:1) These words from the Psalm come to my lips as we thank God for the wonders he has done for Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil. His great mercy has been shown to all of us who over the last 18 months were praying for the release of our beloved Fr. Tom.

Yesterday (12/09/2017), I had the joy of speaking to Fr. Tom, who is with the Don Bosco Fathers in Rome. He was happy to hear me and has expressed his joy at his release and has thanked everyone for their prayers and their efforts.

While we had already given a Press Statement yesterday from the Secretary General’s Office, I thought it my duty as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India to express our heartfelt gratitude to many people, who have worked for the release of Fr. Tom.

We would like to thank the Holy Father Pope Francis, for the personal interest he took in the matter and the Vatican Secretariat of State, who were actively involved in working for Fr. Tom’s release. Our special thanks to the Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Qaboos bin Said Al Sayid, whose intervention, we now know, was crucial and decisive. We thank him and pray for his good health.

We are very grateful to our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and our Foreign Minister, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, who tirelessly and gracefully contributed to the efforts of the release of Fr. Tom. Our very deep appreciation goes to the family of Fr. Tom and the Salesian Rector Major and the Salesian Provincial of Bangalore Province, the Salesian Congregation, for their patience and perseverance, despite the frustrating circumstances.

Many people have been praying for Fr. Tom and today their prayers are answered. You will recall that I had given a call for prayer in all our Churches and places of worship on Saturday, 21st January or Sunday, 22nd January. We are grateful for your prayers.

I am now appealing to you to celebrate the coming Saturday or Sunday, 16th or 17th September, as per the convenience in your area, as day of thanksgiving during or after the Holy Eucharist in all our Churches and places of worship. I call upon all our Bishops, Priests, Religious and Faithful and all men of good will to celebrate in worship of thanksgiving, the great and wonderful deeds of Our Lord towards Fr. Tom and all of us.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to my brother Cardinals His Eminences Oswald Gracias, George Alenchery and Telesphore Toppo, all our Archbishops and Bishops for the support and coordination extended to CBCI in its interventions for the release of Fr. Tom. My Special thanks to His Excellency Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, our Secretary General and all the members of CBCI Secretariat for the timely intervention with the Government of India and other authorities concerned for the release of Fr. Tom.

God bless you all!

Yours lovingly in Our Lord,

+ Baselios Cardinal Cleemis

Major Archbishop-Catholicos &

President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India.

An Open Appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene to stop hatred in Jharkhand

Prot. 1133/GenSec2017 (2-b-13/GOVT) 13th September, 2017

Honourable Prime Minister,

I am making this appeal to you with much sorrow and anguish but also with hope. You must be aware of the recent happenings in Jharkhand, a State ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party. You might be aware that there is spiralling hatred being created by the Chief Minister belonging to your Party, which if not controlled immediately, could take the State and its people down the streets of violence and hate.

Till now I had refrained from making a comment on the tragic happenings in the State. But last night as I was about to go to bed, I received this frightening, disquieting and scary photo. A Christian youth from Jharkhand had sent it to me with this quotation from Jesus in Hindi, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing”.

As I went to bed, I could not sleep. Yes, perhaps those leading this ideological hatred, targeting the Christian Community do not know what they are doing, where they are leading the people to: on the road of hatred and division. As I tossed in bed, I thought there is one person to whom I could appeal – You, Honourable Prime Minister. Because time and again you have told us “sabh ka sath, sabh ka vikas”. If I am not mistaken, it was on this slogan that you personally campaigned in Jharkhand for the State elections, which made Mr. Raghubar Das, the Chief Minister of the State.

Jharkhand is a State where despite abject poverty and miserable living conditions, people of all faiths and confessions, Tribals and non-Tribals, Dalits and others have been living in peace with each other. This was till the Chief Minister embarked on a different agenda. He began some months ago with vitriolic attacks against the Christian Community. Then in a first for any Chief Minister he came out with this particular full front page advertisement in the prominent dailies of the State.

Advertisement in Dainik Bhaskar, a prominent Daily

I do not know if you are aware of this advertisement. It contains a spurious quote of Mahatma Gandhi without naming the source, to vilify the Christian Community. The advertisement accuses the Christian Missionaries of converting poor Dalits and Tribals (Vanvasis, a term, we think Mahatma Gandhi never used for Tribals), whom the quote describes as innocent and ignorant. The Tribals and Dalits are described as “simple and mute as cows”.

All sane minds in Jharkhand and the Tribals at large are aghast at such a description. People are asking whether the State deserves a Chief Minister, who allows an advertisement with his photo and that of “Bappu” reducing the Tribals and Dalits to the level of cows. Many are wondering whether, Mr. Raghubar Das became Chief Minister by getting votes from Tribals and Dalits, because in the words of the advertisement they are “as mute and simple as cows”. Less than two weeks after the advertisement, while the Jharkhandis were still shocked over the hate filled advertisement, the ruling party brought into the State Assembly and passed two important Bills: The Freedom of Religion Bill and the Amendments to Land Acquisition Act 2013, in record time practically without discussion. One wonders whether the hatred filled advertisement and the “Freedom of Religion Bill” were smoke screens for the real act of the amendment to Land Acquisition Act. Is there something more than meets the eye specially since the Governor had earlier refused to sign Amendments to the CNTPT Act. Was the Chief Minister creating a diversionary tactic of mounting hatred.

Dear Prime Minister, the Catholic Church has time and again reiterated that it strongly opposes forced conversions. But, at the same time, it stands by its rights to ‘preach, practice and propagate’ its faith as per Articles 25-28 of the Constitution. Coming back to that advertisement against the Christian community to hastily pass Amendments to the Land Acquisition Bill, which we feel will threaten the livelihood and the very existence of the Tribals, specially when there is still so much unused Government land.

Dear Prime Minister, coming back to that picture which is haunting me. Here is the burning of effigy of probably the most prominent and respected religious leader in Jharkhand. Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo, as you would be aware, is a non-controversial leader, respected not only in Christian circles but also in civil society and by Tribals and non-Tribals. He is also the ambassador of the Swatch BharatAbhiyan. History shows us that hatred which begins as a tiny spark can engulf into an unstoppable fire. As you know the burning of effigies can very well turn into physical violence.

We are a peace loving community as the whole country knows. Our Missionaries have sacrificed and many have died of Malaria and Tuberculosis at a young age striving to serve the deprived sections of society in remote areas. We have not done it for political or selfish motives. We will continue to work for the neglected sections of society through education, health care and other uplifting activities. We are not doing this to “milk the poverty” to make them Christians – we are doing it because our religion teaches us to serve the poorest of the poor.

Dear Prime Minister, the Church has as usual not responded to the provocations of the Chief Minister. It is not because we are afraid, it is not because we are weak. That the Christians have not responded should not be taken as a sign of weakness. We are not speaking about ourselves, we are speaking about the people of Jharkhand. It is not possible that so much money is spent by the Constitutional authority of the State on front page advertisements sowing hate, when health facilities are so poor that stories of parents carrying children on foot for 10-12 kms. to arrive at the nearest hospital makes news.

It is not possible that the constitutional authority of a State, actively involves itself in promoting hate as the advertisement does.

Dear Prime Minister, we were touched when on 29 May, 2017, you told the nation, “we Indians are lucky that our ancestors have created such a tradition today. India and its 1.25 billion people can take pride in the fact that people from all communities and faiths are available here.”

We were moved when you told the nation on October 31, 2015, “we have to move forward with the mantra of unity, peace and harmony”.

The whole nation applauded you when on Independence Day this year you gave a clarion call from the ramparts of Red Fort, “in the name of faith, violence cannot be allowed”.

Mr. Raghubar Das and his advisors at least in the past few months have not shown affiliation to the ideology you are proclaiming.

I appeal to you, honourable Prime Minister, with trust and hope to intervene and curb the spread of hate created by the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Jharkhandis and Jharkhand deserves better. If the Chief Minister is unable to control his ideological hatred, then it is time for him to go. Your party has many leaders who can do a better job on all fronts.

Thank you and God bless you.

Yours Sincerely,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General,

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India

The Secretary General calls on the Minority Affairs Minister

Prot.1134/GenSec2017 (1-1-0/B&D) 13th September, 2017

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Your Eminences, Graces, Excellencies,

The Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India today called on Mr. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in a courtesy visit. He was accompanied by his Private Secretary, Fr. Anand David Xalxo and Mr. Praveen Toppo.

Giving him a bouquet of flowers, the Secretary General congratulated the Minister on being raised to Cabinet rank. The Minister was very pleasant and affable and requested us to keep in touch with his Ministry for whatever the Catholic Church may require.

Bishop Theodore spoke to the Minister about the Ranchi Medical College and he promised that he would look for ways to help us.

We thanked the Minority Affairs Minister and promised him that we would keep in touch with him.

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General,

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India

CBCI felicitates new Malankara Curia Bishop John Kochuthundil and new Superior General of the Society of Pilar

At a small function held at the CBCI Headquarters, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, Secretary General of the CBCI, the Fathers residing at the Centre and the staff of Caritas and CBCI felicitated the Bishop-elect Most Rev. John Kochuthundil and Fr. Seby Mascarenhas, SFX, newly elected Superior General of the Society of Pilar.

Fr. Joseph Manipadam, SDB, introduced Bishop-elect John, who also had a two year stint as the full time member of the CBCI Core Team.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX, who also happens to be the brother of Fr. Seby, introduced him to the gathering. A shawl was placed on both of them and a flower bouquet was given. Also present were the newly elected Counsellor of the Pilar Society, Fr. Alarico Carvalho and Fr. Nazareth Fernandes.

Fr. Nicholas Barla compered the function.

Both Bishop John and Fr. Seby thanked the CBCI for the surprise felicitations.

Ambassador of Austria visits CBCI Office

The new Ambassador of Austria to India, Mrs. Brigitte Öppinger-Walchshofer called upon Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX, the Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, on a courtesy visit along with Christoph Meyenburg, Minister Counsellor.

Traditional Austrian generosity was on display as the Ambassador presented a cheque for over three lakh rupees towards a small project in remote Mandar, of the Ranchi Archdiocese to buy benches and desks for the children in the school.

We pray for the Ambassador that God may grant her good health and many more fruitful years in the service of her country.

FR. TOM UZHUNNALIL SDB RELEASED FROM TERRORIST CAPTIVITY

Prot.1131/GenSec2017 (3-b-10/CBCI-GC) 12th September, 2017

PRESS RELEASE

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India expresses its immense joy on getting the news of the release of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil SDB who has been in Captivity since March 2016. As we thank God for this unique grace bestowed on Fr. Tom and his family and the Salesian Congregation (The Society of Don Bosco) and the Catholic Church in India, we pray for his continued good health and complete recovery to resume active Salesian ministry for God and His people in his Congregation and the Church.

As we express our profound gratitude to God, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India wants to place on record its immense gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Srimati Sushma Swaraj the Minister of External Affairs and the Government of India for persistently and perseveringly working to obtain the release of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil. In different meetings with the Foreign Minister, she assured us that Fr. Tom was safe and that the Government would do everything to get him released. The Prime Minister too had assured us that all would be done to get him released. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India expresses its gratitude to His Holiness Pope Francis who took personal interest in Fr. Tom’s release efforts and Bishop Paul Hinder, Vicar Apostolic of Southern Arabia, the Bishop in charge of the Middle East, and the Sultan of Oman, for their untiring efforts, The Rector Major and the Salesian Provincial of Bangalore Province for their patience and strong faith. Fr. Tom’s release gives immense joy to the Catholic Church in India and the Salesian Family and all the people of India and we place on record our gratitude to all for their immense faith in God and persevering prayers that God in his goodness and mercy has heard and answered. We thank in a special way the Sultan of Oman who we now learn from reports played an important role in the release of Fr.Tom.We thank all men and women of good will who stood with us with prayer and encouragement.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India

CBCI Guidelines to deal with Sexual Harassment at Workplace

CBCI COUNCIL FOR WOMEN

Press Statement 11.09.2017

Women of today have emerged out of the shelters of their homes and are making their presence felt in all fields; political, legal, corporate, academic, sports, defence, etc. Yet women continue to be victims of disrespect, attacks and harassment at home and at work because of the unchanged and archaic social structure marked by patriarchy in our society. The Catholic Church in India acknowledges and considers violence against women and children as a special area of concern and advocates zero tolerance to any act of violence towards women and children (CBCI Gender Policy).

The Church while wanting to ensure the protection and respect for women at workplace and without in any way underestimating the seriousness of sexual harassment of women at workplace, wants to address all forms of sexual harassment at workplace. In keeping this objective, ‘CBCI Guidelines to Deal with Sexual Harassment at Workplace’ is gender inclusive and has been formulated to create a safe, healthy and loving environment that enables its employees to work without the fear of prejudice, bias and sexual harassment and creates a mechanism for prevention of any form of harassment. The document also delineates the process of handling cases of sexual harassment, if and when they occur and also tries to safeguard people from false allegations. The promulgation of this document will take place on 14th September, 2017 at 3.30 pm at the CBCI Centre, 1, Ashok Place, Near Gole Dak Khana, New Delhi-1. On this occasion, we invite the Journalists and people of the Media to join us for an active interaction.

The CBCI earnestly request the heads of our institutions who come under the purview of the document to take note of the document seriously and implement it with the intention of realising it as the will of our Master and Lord, Jesus Christ and as coming from the ethos of the Bible.

Yours in our Lord Jesus Christ,

Most Rev Jacob Mar Barnabas Sr Talisha Nadukudiyil SD

Chairperson Secretary

MSMHC Celebrates Platinum Jubilee

MSMHC Celebrates Platinum Jubilee

A Day of Thanksgiving with Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal and the Members of the Regional Pastoral Conference

September 8 marked a significant day for the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC) on its Platinum Jubilee year with the celebration of a solemn Eucharist officiated by His Excellency Most Rev. GiambattistaDiquattro, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal along with Most. Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, the Secretary General of CBCI and all the members of the North-East Regional Pastoral Conference. The presence of the Archbishops, Bishops and Major Superiors of the region and other dignitaries made the event uniquely elating and inspiring.

The occasion had an added reason for rejoicing as it had the presence of five golden and twenty-four silver jubilarians who celebrate the gift of their consecration to God in the Congregation.

Superior General, Sr. Philomena Mathew in her welcome address at the start of the Holy Mass, expressed joy and gratitude to all present and briefed the assembly about the importance of the event. Gratefully acknowledging the support and help of all the Bishops, major superiors, parish priests, laity and every one with whom the members collaborate, she thanked all those who gathered for their encouraging presence on the occasion.

During the brief felicitation ceremony that followed after the Holy Eucharist, His Excellency Most Rev. GiambattistaDiquattro, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal expressed his joy for having got the opportunity to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Congregation’s foundation. Commenting on the chosen theme of the Chapter that calls for a radical renewal of the life according to the vision of the Founder Venerable Bishop Stephen Ferrando,he said, “The radical renewal calls for giving absolute supremacy for Jesus Christ”.

Most Rev. Dominic Jala Archbishop of Shillong and President of North Eastern Regional Bishops’ Conference in his address spoke about the important role played by the Congregation in the region, especially its contribution towards building up the young Church.

Most Rev. John Moolachira, Archbishop of Guwahati appreciated the Sisters for commitment and dedication. He said, “From my long association with them I can vouch that they have imbibed from their founder, Most Rev. Stephen Ferrando and their formators, a strong missionary spirit and it is evident in their ability to work in remote areas ...”

The Congregation of MSMHC, founded on 24 October 1942 at Guwahati has its tale of a wonderful history. It’s testing time of the founding years and the period of struggles have been the time that it experienced God’s providential care. The Congregation kept growing since its inception and has launched out to many areas of Church’s mission.

Bishops' conferences will have main responsibility for translations, with the Holy See approving them

Pope Francis has published a motu proprio Magnum Principium granting bishops’ conferences greater control over the translation of liturgical texts.

Until now, Canon 838 has stated that “The direction of the sacred liturgy depends solely on the authority of the Church which resides in the Apostolic See and, according to the norm of law, the diocesan bishop.”

The second paragraph said it was “for the Apostolic See to order the sacred liturgy of the universal Church, publish liturgical books and review their translations in vernacular languages, and exercise vigilance that liturgical regulations are observed faithfully everywhere”.

According to the new formulation, the Apostolic See has the task of “reviewing the approved adaptations under the law of the Episcopal Conference, as well as of ensuring that liturgical norms are observed everywhere faithfully”.

In other words, the power of the Curia is reduced from authorising to revising translations of the texts approved by episcopal conferences.

The motu proprio calls for episcopal conferences to “faithfully” prepare liturgical books in the local language, which must be “appropriately adapted within the defined limits” and published “after the confirmation of the Holy See”.

North Eastern Pastoral Conference Inaugural Session – 09.09.2017

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In an unique event in the North Eastern Catholic Church, the joint session of the Regional Pastoral Conference and Catholic Council was inaugurated on 9th September 2017 at Don Bosco Institute DBI, Kharguli, Guwahati.

The day started with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by his Excellency Giambattista DiQuattro, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and concelebrated by Bishops and Priests along with more than 200 Delegates of the Conference. This was a spiritual experience which set the stage for a fruitfulness of the important conference.

The gathering has the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio to India – His Excellency Giambattista DiQuattro, The Secretary General of CBCI- Most Rev Theodore Mascarenhas, Bishops from 15 Dioceses of all States of NE Region of India, Provincial Superiors of Religious Congregations, Priests, Brothers, Sisters and men and women Lay Leaders from all Dioceses. It was indeed a confluence of varied communities, Tribes and cultures.

The Inaugural session was made colourful by the beauty of a Prayer dance by the Youth of DBI. After which the lighting the Lamp was done by His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, Most Rev. Dominic Jala, the President of NEIRPC, Most Rev. John Thomas, the Secretary of NEIRPC and Ms. Angela, the laity leader from Kohima.

The Apostolic Nuncio in his address to this exclusive gathering of over 200 participants, emphasized the need of helping in integral human development and human promotion over charitable concerns. He appreciated the role of Indian Catholic women in bringing up families with the cultivation of values of faith, peace and justice. He advised the assembly to work in harmony among all groups.

Archbishop Dominic Jala, Archbishop of Shillong and the President of Catholic Pastoral Conference of NE introduced and welcomed the Dignitaries, Bishop John Thomas of Itanagar, welcomed the Group in his capacity as the Secretary of the Pastoral Conference. Bishop Stephen Rotluanga of Aizawl Diocese, the Chairman of the Laity Commission, familiarized the joint session with the theme of the Conference LAY MINISTRIES IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH N E REGION.

Fr Amalraj G.P. the Deputy Secretary of the NEIRBC compered the programme.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India condemns strongly and unequivocally the dastardly, brutal and cowardly murder of the Senior Woman Journalist, Ms. Gauri Lankesh, Editor of the Kannada weekly, Lankesh Patrike. We salute her for the courage with which she wrote, the conviction with which she lived her life and the boldness with which she fought the forces of evil, hatred and corruption.

The murder of this versatile and brave journalist follows other crimes of hatred of recent times: the murders of Sahitya Academy Award Winner and Writer M M Kalburgi in Dharwad, thinker Govind Pansare in in Kohlapur, thinker Narendra Dabholkar in Pune, the mob lynchings by Gau Rakshaks in the name of protecting cows, political killings in Kerala and other such hate crimes.

This hatred cannot build a New India. We need love, peace and harmony and we appeal to all leaders, peoples, communities and persons in our beloved India to shun the ideologies of hatred. Let our traditional values of peace, harmony, brotherhood and tolerance prevail at all cost. Let us isolate the forces of hatred and cutting across the political, social and religious spectrum unite to build a free, democratic, secular and progressive India.

This murder comes even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told the nation in his Independence day speech, “Violence has no place in free India.” We join our voices to his and to the voice of Civil Society and we unify our hearts to the hearts of all those fighting hatred, caste, regional or religious bigotry and fundamentalism.

Let us remember for our New India what the father of our Nation wrote in Young India in 1925:

“By a long course of prayerful discipline, I have ceased for over forty years to hate anybody. I know that this is a big claim. Nevertheless, I make it in all humility. But I can and I do hate evil wherever it exists. My non-co-operation has its root not in hatred, but in love. My personal religion peremptorily forbids me to hate anybody. I learnt this simple yet grand doctrine when I was twelve years old through a school book, and the conviction has persisted up to now. It is daily growing on me. It is a burning passion with me.” (YI, 6-8-1925, p. 272)

The Catholic Church in India prays for peace, harmony and the victory of light over darkness, love over hatred, good over evil.

God bless India.

Jai Hind!

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

CBCI SECRETARY GENERAL PRAYER FOR TEACHERS WITH JESUS AND MARY SCHOOL, DELHI.

The Convent of Jesus and Mary School, Delhi celebrated the Teacher’s Day with a Holy Mass presided over by the Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX. Fr. Anand David Xalxo concelebrated. Celebrating the Feast of Blessed Dina Belanger, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Teachers Day, the CJM Sisters, teachers and students celebrated the feasts with a solemn High Mass in the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church, New Delhi.

Bishop Theodore specifying about the two Saints explained how both Blessed Dina and Mother Teresa allowed their lives to be ruled by the Love of God and the Love of others. Teachers will be successful when they show kindness, compassion and affection for their students, the prelate said. The School Children’s Choir beautiful hymns. Bishop Theodore blessed the teachers present and all the teachers in India praying that God may protect them, guide them and accompany them in their work.

The CBCI LABOUR OFFICE AND NORTH EAST REGION COMMISSION FOR LABOUR ORGANISE WORKSHOP ABOUT LABOUR LAWS

The CBCI office for labour organized a two day workshop in Guwahati as part of the efforts of the NE Region Commission for Labour to conscience, inform and educate about the recent government proposals to bring in several reforms in labour laws in the country. While a huge portion of workers in the unorganized sector such as domestic workers have been struggling for justice, the legislation in this regard is yet to see the light of the day. In the present scenario, the 5 key groups of workers - viz. domestic workers, tea garden workers, child labourers, farmers and interstate migrant workers who form the focus of Northeast Regional Commission of Labour are also among the most marginalized and exploited. These vulnerable sections of the worker class will be significantly affected with the changes have an immense impact on them and their livelihoods. Moreover, due to lack of information and knowledge about many of the social security provisions provided through different schemes of the government, these workers have barely the opportunity to access them.

As labour commissions of the region and as important and sensitive development workers, it has become important for us to discuss the above and work for a clear road map for specific intervention in the region.

With this end in view a two day workshop was organised by CBCI Office for Labour in collaboration with the North East Regional Commission for Labour on 26 and 27 August, 2017 at NED Social Forum, Guwahati.

Contents of the Workshop:

1. Present Scenario of Labour laws and Labour reform in the country vis-à-vis the region and the 5 key focus areas of North East – viz. domestic workers, tea garden workers, child labourers, farmers and interstate migrant workers

2. The social security schemes for the workers of the above areas and possible strategies for the regional commission.

3. Road map for intervention for Northeast Regional commission for Labour with focus on the 5 key areas of workers.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India celebrates Onam

The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis and the Secretary General, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX, celebrated Onam in Trivandrum today, partaking in a traditional Onam meal on a banana leaf along with Priests, Religious Sisters and Domestic Staff of the Syro-Malankara Major Archbishop’s House.

THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF INDIA PRESIDES OVER CHAI VALEDICTORY CEREMONY

The Valedictory Ceremony of CHAI’s 3-month-long “Community Health Enablers’ Course” was organized on 28th August 2017 at CHAI Training Centre. The ceremony was presided over by Rev. Dr. Fr. Mathew Abraham, Director-General, CHAI. Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), New Delhi, was the Chief Guest.

During the three-month long training since the month of June, 45 sister-nurses/social workers were energized, equipped and empowered as “Community Health Enablers”. They are given opportunities to acquire information and skills in various alternative modes of healing/drugless therapies (such as, Herbal Remedies, Naturopathy, Yoga, Acupressure, Acupuncture, Sujok, Reflexology, Massage and Cupping, basics in physiotherapy, etc.,), family and de-addiction counseling, holistic geriatric and palliate care, current maternal and child health issues, various Govt. schemes, basics in art-based life skill tools and computer applications. The valedictory was woven together with the review of the three-month training the sister-trainees underwent. All the trainees, most of them working health centres in interior areas, unanimously expressed the advantages of the skills they acquired during the training, and all the more, the confidence they gained to go back to their target communities.

Commenting on the review session, Bishop Theodore noted, “The review was quite different from some of the reviews he attended in the past, where the focus was mostly on logistics rather than the content of the training. In this review, what I found beautiful was that people only spoke of what they learned, how their lives were changed. The credit of the training programme was that it was so engrossed in what was important, what was intensive that other things became minimal. In fact, the course has become so intensive, so deep, so valuable because, first and foremost, thanks to the generosity of the people who conduct it. The basic principle a sister has to start with is that God has made you with certain dignity, values and purpose. That purpose can be fulfilled only by empowering yourselves with more add-ons. As you expressed, this training programme helped you to make add-ons to your capacities”.

At the valedictory, the trainees were presented with medical kits, consist of low cost point-of-care diagnostic devices, as part of health promotion, improving the quality of their community outreach services, reaching to people’s doorsteps.

In his concluding address, Bishop Theodore appreciated the sister-trainees for their intention to go to the community to serve the needy. Acknowledging the service rendered by CHAI to the Church in India, he stated, “CHAI is the Church’s most active health care organization.” Bishop Theodore reiterated, “As CBCI’s Secretary General, I want work closely with CHAI. I want CBCI and CHAI together take up health activities in the country. We need to recognize, capacitate and strengthen our fathers and sisters, our foot-soldiers, working in the remotest areas. Their work needs to be highlighted, to start with, in reports to CBCI by various Commissions. I assure you sisters of CBCI’s support when you faced with any challenge.

The Valedictory Ceremony was preceded by a day of recollection by Bishop Theodore on the theme Commissioning for Mission – after 3-month Training as “Community Health Enablers.” It echoed the biblical setting of Jesus sending out the disciples to preach the Gospel (Lk. 10: 1-23). He exhorted the trainees, “We are special as we are chosen for special tasks by God. The tasks entrusted by him to us give meaning to our lives. Our best abilities will have no meaning if it is not interlinked to His mercy, compassion and to what He called us for. While we marvel at the modern medicine, we should never forget the marvel of God, of Gospel, of our task of bringing Gospel to the people. After the training, when we journey back to our people, we should always remember that the real enabler is the Gospel while we in our various capacities provide various health care services. If we want to enable others to the Gospel, we ourselves first do have the Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium). Very often, we religious are ‘Good Friday People’. We forget to be the ‘Easter People’. Joy of the Gospel shows the evangelization in a different light. We should witness and radiate the Joy of the Gospel when we go to people. The Joy of the Gospel is the heart and light that we experience when we encounter Jesus.”

The Valedictory Day was closed with multi-cuisine dinner, representing various states, prepared by the sister trainees, served during the camp fire.

At the end of the training on 30th August, all the sister-trainees individually presented their plan of action for their target villages to be implemented with a group of local volunteers they intend to capacitate, mentor and replicate. In the evening, Rev. Dr. Mathew, CHAI Director General, celebrated Holy Mass and inspired the trainees to be confident and proud of their vocations, by sharing about call narratives in the bible. The Holy Mass ended by sister-trainees taking the pledge to render compassionate health care service to all, especially the marginalized and most vulnerable

CATHOLIC HEALTH ASSOICIATION OF INDIA ORGANISES NATIONAL CONSULTATION OF CATHOLIC CENTRES UNDER CHAI ON ADOLESCENT CHILDREN LIVING WITH HIV

Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) along with the CBCI Office for Health Care organized a two day Consultation for those who are caring for Children infected and affected by HIV. The Catholic Church is a leader and pioneer in responding to the needs of HIV infected persons across the country from the very begininng of the HIV /AIDS epidemic in India. Now as the national programs and efforts of the Government and NGOs are showing significant reduction in new infections and better quality of life and longevity for those who are infected (thanks to Anti Retroviral Treatment), the focus is getting shifted to the complex needs of the children who are surviving. The children are growing up into adolescents and their needs are becoming increasingly challenging to be met with.

In this context, with the support of Misereor, Germany, CHAI conducted a national level consultation with its member institutions who are working for the cause on 29th August 2017 at CHAI central office, Secunderabad with the objectives to understand the situation of Adolescents and children infected and affected with HIV and to facilitate Networking among the member institutions catering service CLHIVs. Totally 48 participants from 38 organizations of 14 states participated in the consultation workshop, which was facilitated by Fr Mathew Abraham, Director General CHAI.

Fr. Mathew Perumpil, CBCI Secretary for the Health Office shared his pioneering efforts in the care of HIV infected children and the enormous challenges the society faces in guiding these children to a respectable future. He invited the participants to focus on the changing landscape of care needs that are more complex as they are getting older and come out with some workable strategies. It is important that we share and network with each other to find a way to help these children build a better future. It is a great opportunity and challenge for the Church to respond creatively to a critical need of the country.

A MEETING OF FORUM OF MINORITY SCHOOLS WITH SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF INDIA

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Member schools of the Forum for Minority Schools from Delhi, along with some other similar institutions, met with General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX , at the CBCI Headquarters on 2, September, 2017 . The meeting was a step towards creating a joint platform for exchange of ideas and concerns relating to minority education institutions. The meeting comes on the heels of the ongoing legal matters regarding refund of fees as well as statements and orders issued by the Directorate of Education, Delhi, policy matters regulating admission and staff administration and other concerns affecting the constitutional freedoms and protections provided to such institutions.

Bishop Theodore, in his opening remarks, reminded the gathering that this was an apolitical gathering interested in finding ways and means of improving our vigilance in our housekeeping and watchful of the pruning and clipping of our rights. We must have our consciences clear and really work for society but at the same time we must also assure that our minority rights are protected, he said.

The Chairman of the Forum for Minority Schools, Dr. V K Williams, recounted the many positive contributions of Christian schools in Nation building over the past two hundred years. He highlighted how the previous draft of the HRD National Education Policy, was flawed in its concept and design. It was highly retrograde and its implementation would have damaged the educational fabric of our nation.

Father Joseph Manipadam SDB shared some of the silent changes being introduced into education in different states, cautioning all present that what may appear to affect one kind of educational set up, would soon affect others. He cited the example of NEET for medical colleges, observing such control may happen to engineering colleges etc as well.

Among the many prominent lawyers present in the meeting, Advocate Romy Chacko clarified that all schools would need to approach the High Court with regards to the implementation of the Anil Dev interim reports. He said there were many aspects of the accounting principles used by the Committee, which have created confusion, requiring each school to seek individual review.

Apart from Christian schools, both Catholic and Protestant, Sikh and Jain schools were also well represented in the meeting. Bishop Theodore assured the gathering that this was just a warm up meeting, and several more larger consultations with many more schools participating would soon be taking place to ensure the protection of the rights of minority institutions. Proposals for a Minority Board of Education like that of the ICSE or CBCE were also mooted.

This meeting is another attempt of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference to engage civil society and like minded citizens in facing the various challenges cropping up in the country.

The meeting began with a prayer led by Mr. Michael Williams and ended with a prayer led by Bishop Mascarenhas

Issued by the General Secretariat of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Forum of Minority Schools Delhi

Mr. Amalraj, a table tennis player and Mr. Arokiarajiv, an athlete and a young army officer from Dalit Christian origin were awarded the most prestigious award in Sports the Arjuna Award this year by the Honorable President of India on 29th August 2017.

Both of them are hailing from poor families in Tamil Nadu. Despite of all the difficulties they faced, both were determined to achieve in their lives by their hard work and commitment and for this they were awarded the Arjuna Award.

On 31st August 2017 a felicitation program was organised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Office for Dalits and Backward Classes at CBCI Centre in which Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, Secretary General of CBCI and Fr. Devasagayaraj, secretary to the CBCI Office for SC/BC, CBCI Office secretaries, Various church leaders, Dalit organisations and Civil society organisations and children lauded the achievements of the young awardees.

Bishop Theodore Presiding over the Function congratulated the boys and asked them to keep working hard to bring joy to themselves and to many other people in the Country. He blessed the participants.

The awardees shared their experiences of their achievement which was very inspiring to the participants especially to the future generations. Autographs of the awardees in the tennis balls were gifted to the Children to encourage and motivate for the success in their lives.

Sr. Robancy, Program Coordinator

CBCI Office for SC/BC

Appointment of three new Bishops for the Syro-Malabar Church

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-12/2017 1st September, 2017

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Appointment of three new Bishops for the Syro-Malabar Church

Your Eminence, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church, gathered at Mount St. Thomas, Kerala, having received prior Papal Assent according to CCEO can. 184, canonically elected to the office of

1. Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Trichur, Rev. Fr. Tony Neelankavil, till now Rector of Marymatha Major Seminary, Trichur. The Auxiliary Bishop-Elect has been assigned the Titular See of Masuccaba.

2. Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Tellicherry, Rev. Fr. Joseph Pamplany, till now Secretary of the Doctrinal Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church. The Auxiliary Bishop-elect has been assigned the Titular See of Numluli.

3. Curia Bishop Rev. Fr. Sebastian Vaniyapurackal, of the clergy of Kanjirapally, till now Vice Chancellor of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia. The Auxiliary Bishop-Elect has been assigned the Titular See of Troina.

These ecclesiastical provisions were made public in Rome on Friday, 1st September, 2017, at noon local time, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

The following is the Biodata of the new Bishops, as received from the Apostolic Nunciature:

1.Rev. Fr. Tony Neelankavil was born on 23rd July, 1967, at Valappad, in the Archeparchy of Trichur. After the school studies, he joined Trichur Minor Seminary in 1984. He had his Philosophy and Theology course from St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor (1986-1993). He was ordained Priest on 27th December, 1993. He served as Assistant Parish Priest at Ollur (1994-95) and Palayur (1995). Then he was sent for higher studies in Leuven, Belgium, where he took Licentiate in 1997 and Doctorate in Theology in 2002. He joined as Professor at Marymatha Major Seminary in 2002 and served the Seminary as Animator, Dean of Studies, Lecturer of Systematic Theology, Director of Mary Matha Publications, Spiritual Father, etc. He served the Archeparchy of Trichur as member of Theological Commission, Chaplain of different formation centres and convents, member of Presbyteral Council, etc. He was the Pro-Vicar of Manjakkunnu (2003-2005) and Priest-in-charge of Nadampadam Station Church (2012-2014). From March 2017 he is the Rector of Marymatha Major Seminary, Trichur. He is also member of the Theology Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church and of the Liturgical Research Centre. He was also member of CBCI Bishops-Theologians Colloquium. He is proficient in Malayalam, English and German.

2. Rev. Fr. Joseph Pamplany was born on 11th December, 1969, at Charal in the Archeparchy of Tellicherry. After the school studies, and completing his pre degree at Nirmalagiri College, Kuthuparamba, he joined St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Tellicherry (1986-1988). He did his philosophical and theological studies at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye (1988-97). He was ordained Priest on 30th December, 1997. He served as Assistant Parish Priest at Peravoor (1998-99) and was Parish Priest at Deepagiri (1999-2001). From 2001-2006 he did his studies on Sacred Scripture and obtained Doctorate from Leuven University, Belgium. On his return, he was appointed Director of Bible Apostolate in the Archeparchy from 2006 onward. He is the Founder Director of Alpha Institute of Theology from 2007 onward. He is member of the Consulters’ Body of the Archeparchy and of the Administrative Council. He is Secretary of the Doctrinal Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church, KCBC and CBCI. He is also member of the Doctrinal Commission of FABC. He is visiting professor of Holy Scripture in different major Seminaries and Institutes. He is proficient in Malayalam, English, German and French.

3. Rev. Fr. Sebastian Vaniyapurackal was born on 29th March, 1967, at Mulamkunnu, in the Eparchy of Kanjirapally. After his school education he joined the eparchial Minor Seminary and had his philosophical and theological formation in St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor. He was ordained Priest on 30th December, 1992. After ordination he served as Assistant Parish Priest at St. George Forane Church, Kattappana (1993-1995) and Director of Yuvadeepti, Eparchy of Kanjirapally (1995-2000), Vicar of St. Mary’s Church, Pazhaya Koratty (1998-99). Later he was sent to Rome for higher studies (2000-2005), where he took his Doctorate in Oriental Canon Law from the Holy Cross University, Rome. After his return, he served as Judge of the Eparchial Tribunal, Kanjirapally (from 2005), Vicar, St. Thomas Church, Poomattam (2005-2009), Judicial Vicar (2006-2014), Vicar, St. George Church, Chennakunnu (2009-2012), and Vicar, Infant Jesus Church, Mulamkunnu (2012-2014). From September 2014, he has been serving as Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Vice Chancellor.

We wish the new Bishops all God’s blessings and assure them and the Syro-Malabar Church of our prayers,

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

Appointment of three new Bishops for the Syro-Malabar Church

Ref: CBCI-Gen/Cir-12/2017 1st September, 2017

TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Sub: Appointment of three new Bishops for the Syro-Malabar Church

Your Eminence, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church, gathered at Mount St. Thomas, Kerala, having received prior Papal Assent according to CCEO can. 184, canonically elected to the office of

Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Trichur, Rev. Fr. Tony Neelankavil, till now Rector of Marymatha Major Seminary, Trichur. The Auxiliary Bishop-Elect has been assigned the Titular See of Masuccaba.

Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Tellicherry, Rev. Fr. Joseph Pamplany, till now Secretary of the Doctrinal Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church. The Auxiliary Bishop-elect has been assigned the Titular See of Numluli.

Curia Bishop Rev. Fr. Sebastian Vaniyapurackal, of the clergy of Kanjirapally, till now Vice Chancellor of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia. The Auxiliary Bishop-Elect has been assigned the Titular See of Troina.

These ecclesiastical provisions were made public in Rome on Friday, 1st September, 2017, at noon local time, corresponding to 15:30 hours, Indian Standard Time.

The following is the Biodata of the new Bishops, as received from the Apostolic Nunciature:

Rev. Fr. Tony Neelankavil was born on 23rd July, 1967, at Valappad, in the Archeparchy of Trichur. After the school studies, he joined Trichur Minor Seminary in 1984. He had his Philosophy and Theology course from St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor (1986-1993). He was ordained Priest on 27th December, 1993. He served as Assistant Parish Priest at Ollur (1994-95) and Palayur (1995). Then he was sent for higher studies in Leuven, Belgium, where he took Licentiate in 1997 and Doctorate in Theology in 2002. He joined as Professor at Marymatha Major Seminary in 2002 and served the Seminary as Animator, Dean of Studies, Lecturer of Systematic Theology, Director of Mary Matha Publications, Spiritual Father, etc. He served the Archeparchy of Trichur as member of Theological Commission, Chaplain of different formation centres and convents, member of Presbyteral Council, etc. He was the Pro-Vicar of Manjakkunnu (2003-2005) and Priest-in-charge of Nadampadam Station Church (2012-2014). From March 2017 he is the Rector of Marymatha Major Seminary, Trichur. He is also member of the Theology Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church and of the Liturgical Research Centre. He was also member of CBCI Bishops-Theologians Colloquium. He is proficient in Malayalam, English and German.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Pamplany was born on 11th December, 1969, at Charal in the Archeparchy of Tellicherry. After the school studies, and completing his pre degree at Nirmalagiri College, Kuthuparamba, he joined St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Tellicherry (1986-1988). He did his philosophical and theological studies at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye (1988-97). He was ordained Priest on 30th December, 1997. He served as Assistant Parish Priest at Peravoor (1998-99) and was Parish Priest at Deepagiri (1999-2001). From 2001-2006 he did his studies on Sacred Scripture and obtained Doctorate from Leuven University, Belgium. On his return, he was appointed Director of Bible Apostolate in the Archeparchy from 2006 onward. He is the Founder Director of Alpha Institute of Theology from 2007 onward. He is member of the Consulters’ Body of the Archeparchy and of the Administrative Council. He is Secretary of the Doctrinal Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church, KCBC and CBCI. He is also member of the Doctrinal Commission of FABC. He is visiting professor of Holy Scripture in different major Seminaries and Institutes. He is proficient in Malayalam, English, German and French.

Rev. Fr. Sebastian Vaniyapurackal was born on 29th March, 1967, at Mulamkunnu, in the Eparchy of Kanjirapally. After his school education he joined the eparchial Minor Seminary and had his philosophical and theological formation in St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor. He was ordained Priest on 30th December, 1992. After ordination he served as Assistant Parish Priest at St. George Forane Church, Kattappana (1993-1995) and Director of Yuvadeepti, Eparchy of Kanjirapally (1995-2000), Vicar of St. Mary’s Church, Pazhaya Koratty (1998-99). Later he was sent to Rome for higher studies (2000-2005), where he took his Doctorate in Oriental Canon Law from the Holy Cross University, Rome. After his return, he served as Judge of the Eparchial Tribunal, Kanjirapally (from 2005), Vicar, St. Thomas Church, Poomattam (2005-2009), Judicial Vicar (2006-2014), Vicar, St. George Church, Chennakunnu (2009-2012), and Vicar, Infant Jesus Church, Mulamkunnu (2012-2014). From September 2014, he has been serving as Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Vice Chancellor.

We wish the new Bishops all God’s blessings and assure them and the Syro-Malabar Church of our prayers,

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

TODAY’S JOINT MESSAGE OF POPE FRANCIS AND ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH ON THE OCCASION OF THE DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE CARE OF CREATION

The story of creation presents us with a panoramic view of the world. Scripture reveals that, “in the beginning”, God intended humanity to cooperate in the preservation and protection of the natural environment. At first, as we read in Genesis, “no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up – for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground” (2:5). The earth was entrusted to us as a sublime gift and legacy, for which all of us share responsibility until, “in the end”, all things in heaven and on earth will be restored in Christ (cf. Eph 1:10). Our human dignity and welfare are deeply connected to our care for the whole of creation.

However, “in the meantime”, the history of the world presents a very different context. It reveals a morally decaying scenario where our attitude and behaviour towards creation obscures our calling as God’s co-operators. Our propensity to interrupt the world’s delicate and balanced ecosystems, our insatiable desire to manipulate and control the planet’s limited resources, and our greed for limitless profit in markets – all these have alienated us from the original purpose of creation. We no longer respect nature as a shared gift; instead, we regard it as a private possession. We no longer associate with nature in order to sustain it; instead, we lord over it to support our own constructs.

The consequences of this alternative worldview are tragic and lasting. The human environment and the natural environment are deteriorating together, and this deterioration of the planet weighs upon the most vulnerable of its people. The impact of climate change affects, first and foremost, those who live in poverty in every corner of the globe. Our obligation to use the earth’s goods responsibly implies the recognition of and respect for all people and all living creatures. The urgent call and challenge to care for creation are an invitation for all of humanity to work towards sustainable and integral development.

Therefore, united by the same concern for God’s creation and acknowledging the earth as a shared good, we fervently invite all people of goodwill to dedicate a time of prayer for the environment on 1 September. On this occasion, we wish to offer thanks to the loving Creator for the noble gift of creation and to pledge commitment to its care and preservation for the sake of future generations. After all, we know that we labour in vain if the Lord is not by our side (cf. Ps 126-127), if prayer is not at the centre of our reflection and celebration. Indeed, an objective of our prayer is to change the way we perceive the world in order to change the way we relate to the world. The goal of our promise is to be courageous in embracing greater simplicity and solidarity in our lives.

We urgently appeal to those in positions of social and economic, as well as political and cultural, responsibility to hear the cry of the earth and to attend to the needs of the marginalized, but above all to respond to the plea of millions and support the consensus of the world for the healing of our wounded creation. We are convinced that there can be no sincere and enduring resolution to the challenge of the ecological crisis and climate change unless the response is concerted and collective, unless the responsibility is shared and accountable, unless we give priority to solidarity and service.

The Constant Lieven’s Hospital and Research Centre, Mandar, Ranchi, is a pilot Project of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, in the tribal heartland of Chotanagpur. The Project when completed will have a modern well equipped 500 bed hospital and 150 seat Medical College. From June 1, 2016, when the CBCI Society for Medical Education - North India took over the Holy Family Hospital, earlier run by the Medical Mission Sisters, the Project has been flying high.

After the Renovation of the 70 year old building, acquiring new Ambulances, updating the Operation Theater and Intensive Care Units, installing a NICU (National Intensive Care Unit); the induction of Modern X-ray and ECG equipment, recently, yet another huge step was taken in pushing forward this Project. On 28th August, 2017, a Dental Care Unit was opened at the Constant Lieven’s Hospital. The faculty is a gift of the Central Province (Hazaribagh) of the Holy Cross Sisters (SCSC). The Dental Care Unit of the Hospital comes as a great relief to the area, which lacked any worthwhile dental care facility worth the name.

Bishop Telesphore Bilung, the Auxiliary Bishop of Ranchi, blessed the facility and Sr. Rosilly, the Provincial of SCSC of the Central Province (Hazaribagh), cut the ribbon inaugurating the Unit. The Dental Care Unit has modern equipments for dental care. An Emergency Unit of the Hospital was also inaugurated and blessed.

Fr. George Pekkadankuzhiyil, MSFS, the Director, welcomed the gathering. In his welcome address he thanked Dr. Stephen Chen, a renowned dentist from Ranchi, who has guided the setting up of this Unit.

A Meeting of the Secretaries of the CBCI Offices was held at the CBCI Headquarters, Delhi, on 30th August, 2017.

Secretaries of various CBCI Offices in Delhi: Education and Culture Office, SC/BC Office, Tribal Affairs Office, Office for Labour, Council for Women, Council for Youth, Director of NISCORT, Assistant Director of Caritas India and Priests resident at the CBCI Centre, participated in the Meeting.

The Secretary General, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX, presided over the Meeting. The strengthening of Offices, the animation of new activities and the preparations for the next Plenary Assembly to be held in Bangalore from 2 to 9 February, 2018, were discussed.

The Meeting began with a prayer led by Sr. Talisha and ended with a concluding prayer by Bishop Theodore.

The Secretary General meets the Salesian Provincials of South East Asia

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, visited the Don Bosco House in Dwarka, New Delhi, on August 30, 2017, and interacted with 12 Salesian Provincials, 11 from India and 1 from Sri Lanka, who were in the Capital for their Congregational Meeting.

Asia South Regional, Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga, SDB, welcomed Bishop Theodore and placed a shawl on him congratulating him on the third anniversary of his Episcopal ordination.

The Secretary General, who is making intensive efforts to connect the CBCI to Church Organisations and Religious Congregations, discussed with the Heads of the Salesian Congregation the various challenges being faced by the Catholic Church in India in various fields and specially in the area of Education and Youth in which the Salesians are very involved.

The Provincials appreciated the efforts of the Secretary General to network and connect to the different Catholic Organisations.

Fr. V. M. Thomas, SDB, National President of CRI, praised Bishop Theodore for his steps in making the Catholic Church very visible, for having bridged the gap between the CRI and CBCI and for his bold initiatives and leadership. Bishop Theodore thanked the Provincials for their positive attitudes and sought their cooperation to make the Catholic Church in India more vibrant and visible.

PRESS RELEASE The Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and the Archbishop of Delhi meet the Vice-President of India

Prot.791/GenSec2017 (3-b-10/CBCI-GC) 25th August, 2017

The Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX, and the Archbishop of Delhi, Most Rev. Anil Couto, along with 8 representatives from the Archdiocese of Delhi were received by the Honourable Vice-President of India, Mr. Venkaiah Naidu, on 24th August, 2017.

In the audience arranged by the Archdiocese of Delhi, Archbishop Anil Couto congratulated the new Vice-President on his election and assured him of the prayers of the Catholic Church. Bishop Theodore conveyed to Mr. Naidu the sentiments and best wishes of the Catholic Bishops and the whole Catholic Community in India. Archbishop Couto presented a bouquet of flowers and Bishop Mascarenhas gifted him a photo frame of St. Joseph with Baby Jesus. Accepting the picture, Mr. Naidu said that the image is personification of compassion and love.

In an interaction, which lasted nearly an hour, the Vice-President spoke eloquently about how India was a secular country from the very beginning and how people have been living in peace and harmony since ages. He said that he himself goes both to the Temple as well as the Dargah. He described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a secular person, who was interested only in development of the Country by including everybody in his developmental programmes. Blaming the politicians for causing divisions on basis of caste and religion and using religious and caste groups as vote banks, he said, the common people were not interested in these issues. On the Gau Rakshak issue, he said the cow was important, but the human being was more important.

Appreciating the selfless work of the Church, he said the Christian Community was a peaceful community and was contributing much to the growth of the Country. He relived with joy his association with the Late Archbishop of Hyderabad, Most Rev. Arulappa, who he said, had given him much affection.

To a query from one of the participants in the meeting, he said, peace and harmony would come about only if there was a change in mindsets. Responding to another observation from a participant about the increase in attacks on Christians in Tamil Nadu and the Order of a District Magistrate in the State that Churches should be registered if they were to be used for worship, Mr. Naidu promised that he would bring the matter to the attention of the State authorities.

The Vice-President was in his usual jovial mood and kept everyone lively and laughing with his famous one liners.

Archbishop Anil and Bishop Theodore promised the Vice-President the prayers of the Catholic Church in his work of upholding the Constitutions and the democratic secular values of the Country. The Vice-President told the Prelates that they were always welcome to visit him again in the future.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

PRESS RELEASE Cardinals and Prelates from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, meet the President of India

A group of Catholic Church Prelates led by Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, made a courtesy call upon the Honourable President of the Republic of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind. Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay; Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi; Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão, Vice-President of CBCI; Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara of Nagpur; Archbishop Albert D’Souza of Agra; Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi; and Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX, Secretary General of CBCI, formed part of the group.In the name of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, Cardinal Cleemis offered a bouquet of flowers, Cardinal Gracias presented a garland, Cardinal Toppo gifted a Photo frame of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to the President.

Cardinal Cleemis addressing the Honourable President thanked him for sparing his time to meet the authorities of the Church.

Cardinal Cleemis conveyed to him the best wishes and the prayers of the whole Catholic Church. He said, India was a Democratic Secular Republic and we live by the Sacred book of the Country – the Indian Constitutions. He said the Christian Community, though a small minority, has always served the Country and will continue to serve the County in health care, education and other areas, in particular, serving the poorest of the poor and the marginalised. “We pray”, he said, that “God may bless you that you may continue to serve the Country through your ministry”.

The President addressing the Prelates said India was a great Country. It is great because of its diversity, not just religious diversity but linguistic and cultural diversity. There was even geographical diversity he said with India having the highest mountains and deepest oceans.

The President said that India was a Secular Country. It was one Country and there was no minority and majority. To govern the Country, we require a political system and this system cannot be based on vote banks. We are all part of one Country.

He appreciated the work of the Church for the poor and the downtrodden. He also reminded that while the whole world speaks of development, spirituality in this development was also important. He appealed to the Bishops to continue this spiritual development. He invited the Prelates to visit him again and said that the Presidents are always open.

As the Prelates left the audience, each of them greeted the President and conveyed their good wishes to him.

It was on 4th March 2016 that armed terrorists entered the Home for the Destitute in Aden, Yemen, run by the Mother Teresa Sisters and shot dead four sisters of Charity and twelve employees. They abducted Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil SDB, belonging to the Province of Bangalore who was serving the spiritual needs of the sisters, while he was praying in the Chapel of the sisters after the Holy Mass. The Province of Bangalore together with the family of Fr. Tom, the Catholic Church authorities and many other organizations and people have been making all-out efforts to get his speedy release. While praying incessantly for Fr. Tom’s release the Province has been continuously in touch with the State and Central Governments appealing to intervene and ensure his safety and quick release. Now, one year and five months has passed and the painful fact is that Fr. Tom still continues to be in the custody of the abductors undergoing trauma and distress.

In order to know from the government of India the latest information regarding the situation of Fr. Tom and the progress made in the efforts to get him released Fr. Joyce Thonikuzhilyil, the Provincial, Fr. Jose Koyickal, the Vice Provincial, Fr. George M.K. and Fr. Jose Mathew, Provincial of New Delhi accompanied by Fr. David from CBCI met Ms. Sushma Swaraj, Honourable External Affairs Minister of India on17th August 2017 at 12.30 pm in the Head Quarters of the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi.

The meeting was very cordial and warm. Ms. Sushma Swaraj said that she feels with Fr. Tom who is facing unimaginable trauma and suffering for several months. The Government of India and personally in her responsibility as the Minister of External Affairs it is one of the top priorities to see to the safety and release of Fr. Tom at the earliest. All efforts are made with utmost urgency by the Government of India and help is sought from governments, organizations, and people who could assist in this process. She reiterated that Fr. Tom is alive and safe for sure and it is the strong hope of the Government that he could be released soon. The delegation handed over the letter of appeal highlighting its concerns to the Minister and expressed hope that the sincere efforts taken by the Government will make the release of Fr. Tom faster.

The Province of Bangalore is immensely grateful to Rt. Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, the Secretary General of CBCI who arranged this meeting with Ms. Sushma Swaraj and has been relentlessly following up the process for the release of Fr. Tom on behalf of the Catholic Church.

ASHA KIRAN (An Extension of St. Alphonsa Institute of Special Education, Archdiocese of Agra)

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew - 25:40)

It was the dream of our Archbishop Most. Rev. Dr. Albert D’Souza to have an institute for the under privileged children of our society. To fulfill that dream the foundation stone of St. Alphonsa Institute of Special Education was laid on 3rd May 2010. It was blessed and inaugurated on 1st August 2011 by His Grace in the presence of Sr. Betty Treasa then provincial Superior of Franciscan Clarist congregation, San Damiano Province, Noida.

Initially Institute started with 6 Children and today we have 32 Students who are regular to their studies. There are different categories of students namely Down Syndrome, Autistic, Cerebral Palsy and Slow Learner. For five hours children are in the institute. During this time schedule they are trained for Activity of Daily Living (ADL), Training to control their Behavioral Problems, Exercise, Speech Therapy, Music Therapy, Skating, etc.. Our children are given opportunities to participate in Co-Curricular activities as well. Our Children do participate in the District and State level competitions held for the differently abled. They are also trained to make Greeting Cards for different Occasions. We also take the students for one day outing and Seminar and Counseling for the parents in regular intervals.

Many dignitaries and social organizations do visit our institute and encourage with their presence and help. On the 11th October 2013 we were blessed with the loving presence of Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, The Apostolic Nuncio to India.

Today God has blessed us with ASHA KIRAN an extension of the Institute for the physically challenged as well. It was blessed and inaugurated on 22nd August 2017 by Most. Rev. Dr. Albert D’Souza. Most. Rev. Dr. Theodore Mascarenhas (Secretary General, CBCI) presence was a source of inspiration for all of us. In his address he emphasized that differently abled children are God’s gift to us and we are called to help them and care for them. Rev. Fr. Alexendro (Rector, St. Paul’s College, Rome) Rev. Fr. Prince (Vice Rector, St. Paul’s College, Rome), Priests and Religious of the Diocese, Parents, Students and invited Guests graced this occasion with their presence. Addressing the audience Archbishop appreciated the hard work of the Teachers and the Parents in the growth of children. Our Students performance was appreciated by all.

We are privileged and blessed to have Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Albert D’Souza as our patron whose timely advice, presence, encouragement, moral and financial support that are always enriching.

For St. Alphonsa Institute of Special Education

Fr. Jipson Palatty

August 10th -Black Day

CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERRENCE OF INDIA (CBCI), and NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES IN INDIA (NCCI)

The Constitution (Scheduled Caste) order 1950 was signed on 10th August 1950 by the then President of India which says that “No person who professes a religion other than Hinduism shall be deemed to be a member of the Scheduled Caste” which was later amended to include Sikhs (1956) and Buddhists (1990) in the Scheduled Caste net. This order is against the Secular nature (Preamble of the Constitution) of the country, against Article 14(Equality before the law), article 15(prohibition of discrimination of any citizen on ground of only religion), Article 25 (Freedom of Conscience and free to profess any religion), Article 26 (equality before the law and equal protection of the law) and against the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which India is a party.

That is why every year the Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims observe August 10th as Black Day throughout India. Civil Writ petition 180/2004 in the Honorable Supreme Court of India praying the deletion of paragraph 3 of the Constitution (Scheduled Caste) order 1950 is still pending for the past Thirteen years. The Constitutional rights for Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims are denied based on religion for more than 67 years.

Black Day was observed throughout India in many state capitals and district headquarters. Meetings, rallies, demonstrations, hunger fasts, submitting memoranda, candle vigils and other forms of demonstrations were organized at the State Capitals and district headquarters by the Christian communities to show support and solidarity to the suffering Christians of Scheduled Caste Origin.

In Delhi Black Day was observed on 10th August 2017 from 4.30 to 5.30 pm at Jantar Mantar organized by CBCI, NCCI and NCDC. Most Rev. Anil Couto, Archbishop of Delhi and Christian and Muslim leaders participated in the protest.

The Demand:

The Union Government should come forward to resolve the issue immediately without further delay.

The union Government should give appropriate reply to the query of the Supreme Court based on the recommendation of Justice Ranganath Misra Commission’s report.

With the call of CBCI, the diocese of Mangalore organized a protest Rally to demand the rights of Dalith Christians in front of DC office Mangalore on 10 August at 3.30PM.

Mr M.P Noronha the Advocate and Secretary of DPP of Mangalore diocese and Professor Vincent Alva addressed the gathering in front of DC office. Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu the Vicar General of the Diocese, Fr Onil D Souza the Convener of the rally many priests sisters laity were present. After the protest the memorandum was given to DC demanding justice for Dalit Christians.

Revamped CBCI Website Inaugurated

The revamped Website of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference was inaugurated on 20th July, 2017, at the CBCI Headquarters, New Delhi. At a brief but solemn function held in the Conference Room and attended by Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa & Vice-President of the CBCI; Most Rev. Albert D’Souza, Archbishop of Agra; Most Rev. Abraham Viruthakulangara, Archbishop of Nagpur; Most Rev. Anil Couto, Archbishop of Delhi; Most Rev. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Bishop of Mavelikara; Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX, Secretary General of CBCI; Monsignori from the Apostolic Nunciature; Resident Fathers at the CBCI Centr, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay and Most Rev. Giambattista Diquattro, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, launched the New Website of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India.

The new Website offers pictures of different Churches of India, a video homily provided by the Society of St. Paul; a blog, which will be changed every week, a Sunday homily by Fr. Tony Kadavil and many other features. There is also an area for donations that can be made in favour of the works of the Catholic Church in India.

Mr. Ranu Francis of the Franciscan Solutions, Greater Noida, the IT company which manages the Website free of cost for the CBCI, was also present.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas also introduced Sr. Ujil Seema, who will be running the site.

Asian Youth Day Ends. India to Host the next Asian Youth Day

The curtains came down on the 7th Asian Youth day on August 6, 2017 at Air force Field, Jogjakarta, Indonesia with the Holy Eucharist presided over by His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, President of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference accompanied by other Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Religious and Youth Leaders from the 21 Asian Countries with the announcement of India being the next host country for the 8 Asian Youth Day.

The 7 Asian Youth Day began on July 30, 2017 with few days spent in in 11 Archdioceses of Indonesia. The Delegates were deputed to the 11 archdioceses for mission experience prior to the Asian Youth Day. The Indian delegation was divided into two groups of 44 delegates going to Palembang and 35 delegates joining the Pontianak Archdioceses for their mission experience.

The entire program was well organised with the specific Theme Joyful Asian Youth! Living the Gospel in Multicultural Asia. The objectives of AYD 7 was well articulated with this theme as well as the programs conducted in the days in diocese and also in the sessions of AYD7. Each day had its own specific Theme and the entire day evolved around this one theme. It was a great opportunity for the Indian contingent to know their counter parts from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. They had a different world view after the interaction.

India put up a glamorous cultural evening on the opening day of the AYD7 which was well appreciated. Through the exhibition stall we also another opportunity to showcase the culture and great traditions of India.

Various exposures, workshop and sessions also helped the Indian contingent to know more about Indonesia and it’s Multicultural aspects.

The whole program was enlightening with rich experience of love, concern, hospitality and brotherhood and sisterhood. It made all the delegates of the AYD7 that though we are different because of our culture, tradition and way of life it is our faith in Jesus Christ that unites us as one family of Asian Youth.

Some of the learnings

1.We all are different but united in Christ as Asian Catholic Church.

2.We are called to be evangelizers proclaiming God’s love to all

3.The Clarian call is to 'OMG' that is Online Missionaries of God.

Fr. Deepak Thomas OCD

Executive Secretary, CBCI Council for Youth

‘COMMUNICATION CHRIST TO MILLENNIALS’ SUMMER COURSE INAUGURATED

‘COMMUNICATION CHRIST TO MILLENNIALS’

SUMMER COURSE INAUGURATED

‘Communication Christ to Millennials’ - the National Summer Media course for the Church leaders and laity was solemnly inaugurated on Saturday, 6th May 2017 at St Pauls Institute of Communication Education (SPICE), Mumbai.

Fr Devassia, the Vice-Provincial Superior of the Society of St Paul, Fr Dominic D’Silva, Director SPICE, and Fr Joby Mathew, General Editor, STPAULS-BYB were present for the event.

There are twenty-seven participants to this three week residential Summer Course, designed to equip Church leaders and laity with professional knowledge and skill sets in Media. During the course, they are introduced into Journalism, Advertising, Public Relations, Branding, Social media, Graphic and Design, TV presentation, voice modulations and other tools of communication.

On Sunday, 7th May 2017, Oswald Cardinal Gracias delivered the key note address to the participants of the summer course and also to the participants of the Symposium cum Workshop in view 51st World Communications Day. “Communication is a tool that God has given us and we need to employ them for the progress of humanity, society and world-peace” said Cardinal Oswald highlighting the importance of communication with Justice and Charity.

SPICE and Archdiocese of Bombay jointly organized the Symposium-cum-Workshop on “Communicating Hope and Trust in Our Times”. Bishop AllwynD’Silva, the auxiliary bishop of Bombay, Fr Myron Pereira SJ and Anand Castelino were the panellists who treated the theme from the perspectives of ecology and environment; Documents of the Catholic Church on Communication; and Christian Family. Carol Andrade, the Dean of SPICE and veteran journalist,

Skilfully moderated the event.

Right to Shelter for all should be made Fundamental Rights in India

Right to Shelter should be guaranteed to all citizens of India and adequate legislation has to be made to protect the housing rights of the poor and the unorganised workers of our country, demanded by participants in the two days’ south zone conference of CBCI Office for Labour organised in collaboration with the organisations, Workers India Federation (WIF) and Kerala Labour Movement at Kochi on 5 & 6 August 2017. Most Rev. Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, the Secretary General of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) inaugurated the conference where he reiterated the commitment of the Catholic Church for the welfare of the working poor of the country. Foremost we should be the torch bearers of development of this country but we cannot accept eviction and displacement of tribal and marginalized people in the name of development. There are more poor people in eight states of India than in 26 countries of Sub-Saharan Africa and therefore programmes like ‘fight against poverty’ should be given more importance than the insistence of online payments in the country.

Minimum wages for the unorganised workers have to be guaranteed in all sectors of job and Church has to fight and ensure that to all workers. In 2030, 60% of Indian would be living cities. And the process of this rapid urbanisation in the country has accelerated the issue of interstate migration in the country.

The Church will strive to see that adequate systems and programs are set in place for the welfare and safe migration of the poor workers from one state to another. Mr. Joseph Jude, President Workers India Federation presided over the meeting. Fr. Jaison Vadassery Secretary CBCI Office for Labour, Fr. Varghese Vallikat, Deputy Secretary, Kerala Catholic Bishops Council ( KCBC), Fr. George Nirappukalayil, Mr. Sebastian Palamparambil, Mr. Alvin Devados, and Mr. Jesuraja also spoke during this occasion.

Most.Rev.Abraham Viruthakulangara

Congratulations to Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara on the 40th anniversary of his Episcopal Ordination on 13th July, 2017. He is the longest serving Prelate of the Church in India.

Prot. 801/GenSec2017 (3-b-10/CBCI-GC) 22nd July 2017

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HIERARCHY

Your Eminence, Your Grace, Your Excellency,

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Fr. Peter Sebastian Goveas, of the clergy of Bhagalpur, as the new Bishop of BETTIAH. This provision was made public in Rome on Saturday 22nd July 2017, at noon local time, corresponding to 15:30 hours, IST.

Rev. Fr. Peter Sebastian Goveas was born on 8 February 1955 at Hosabettu, Hospet, Mangalore, Diocese of Mangalore, Karnataka. After the secondary school, he entered St. John’s Regional Minor Seminary, Bhagalpur, to become a priest for the Diocese of Bhagalpur. He did his philosophy studies at St. Albert’s College, Ranchi (1975) and at Morning Star College, Barrackpore, West Bengal (1975-1978) and his theology at St. Albert’s College, Ranchi (1979-1983). He did his regency at Maheshmunda (1989-1979). He obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Calcutta University (1978). He was ordained priest on 9 December 1983 for the Diocese of Bhagalpur. He served the Diocese in the following assignments: Assistant Parish Priest at Christ the King Church, Damruhat (1983); Parish Priest at Damruhat (1984-1988); Parish Priest at St. Pius X Church, Maheshmunda (1988-1997); Parish Priest at Sacred Heart Church, Susni (1997-2009); Parish Priest at St. Clare’s Church, Dakaita (from 2009 till date). In 2013 he was also Administrator of St. Thomas School, Dakaita, and in 2014 of St. Thomas’s School, Damri; Dean of Lalmatia Deanery (2009-2013), Diocesan Consultor from 2008 and Member of the Priests Council from 2009; from 2013 till date Vicar General of the Diocese of Bhagalpur.

We send our prayerful greetings and best wishes to Rev. Fr. Peter Sebastian Goveas and assure him of our prayers and wholehearted collaboration as he is preparing himself to begin his episcopal ministry.

Assuring you of my prayers,

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord Jesus Christ,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

Secretary General, CBCI

Press Release on the Election of Ram Nath Kovind as the 14th President of India

The Catholic Bishops Conference of India congratulates the Mr. Ram Nath Kovind on his election as the 14th President of India.

We assure him of our prayers for his good health and for wisdom that he might guide our beloved according to the Indian Constitution towards Peace, Development and Justice.

We pray that God may assist him as he will swear in the Oath of Office, “to the best of his ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law, and that he will devote myself to the service and well-being of the people of the Republic of India”.

May India under his Constitutional Leadership march towards greater heights.